Bay Area Veterans Honor WWII Legacy Through Personal Stories

The fading voices of World War II veterans are being preserved by families and organizations in the Bay Area as the remaining survivors age. With approximately 45,518 U.S. veterans still alive, according to the National WWII Museum, their stories are increasingly urgent to document. Among these veterans is Robert Heiss, who, at 102 years old, continues to share his memories from a life profoundly shaped by the war.

Heiss resides at the Veterans Home of California in Yountville, where he has lived since 2008. He spends his afternoons engaged in games and reading, but the weight of history rests heavily on him. On December 7, 1941, Heiss awoke to the news of the Pearl Harbor attack, which would draw the United States into the global conflict. “On the West Coast, we were all scared we could be next,” he recalled, emotion evident in his voice.

The National WWII Museum estimates that California is home to around 10,703 of these veterans, the highest number in the country. By 2030, this figure is expected to decline to just over 5,000, with predictions of no remaining veterans by 2044. This stark reality has prompted various initiatives in the Bay Area to honor these individuals, including dream flights and commemorative events at places like Richmond’s Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park.

For Heiss, preserving his legacy has become a personal mission. After the death of his wife, Betty, in 2009, he completed a self-published book titled “The Wonderful Life of Bob and Betty Heiss.” This work chronicles their experiences during and after the war, comprising over 500 pages filled with memories. He distributed about 60 copies to family and friends, ensuring that his story and that of his beloved wife would endure.

Heiss expressed pride in being part of what is often called the “Greatest Generation.” “It makes me feel proud to be a part of the Greatest Generation,” he said, reflecting on his unique experiences and the broader impact of the war.

Another veteran, Steve James, has also focused on preserving his father’s wartime legacy. A retired financial analyst and Vietnam War veteran, James delves into the memories of his father, Ernest E. James, who served in World War II. He recalls listening to his father’s vivid stories around campfires during his childhood.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, James discovered a collection of his father’s memorabilia, including uniforms, letters, and newspaper clippings. “I was looking through the box at his stuff and said ‘this has to be preserved,’” James noted. He brought these items to the Contra Costa Historical Society, where Executive Director Leigh Ann Davis recognized the significance of these artifacts. “As a historian, it feels like a dream come true to be able to create a space where these documents can live forever,” Davis said.

Davis initiated the Archive Yourself program, encouraging residents to preserve their family’s histories using advanced digitization services. This effort aims to safeguard the memories of World War II veterans and their families as time runs out.

In a similar vein, James A. Scott, also a resident of the Veterans Home of California, contributed to the legacy through art. A former art student who enlisted in 1942, Scott created sketches of fellow Marines during the war. Many families treasure these portraits as cherished reminders of their loved ones. Reflecting on his experiences, Scott remarked, “It was an important time in our history because everyone felt patriotic at that time, and that’s something people don’t know about anymore.”

While the United States honors its veterans each year on November 11, the stories of those who served continue to resonate deeply within the community. Organizations and individuals alike strive to commemorate these experiences, ensuring that the sacrifices of the past are not forgotten.

As the Bay Area’s last World War II veterans reflect on their lives, the urgency to document and celebrate their contributions grows stronger. Through personal stories, historical preservation, and community efforts, the legacy of these remarkable individuals will endure for generations to come.