103-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor says horror of attack never far from memory

WASHINGTON - Lt. Jim Downing is a living memorial to the attack on Pearl Harbor.

At 103-years-old, Lt. Downing, a long-retired Navy Lieutenant, is officially the second oldest Pearl Harbor survivor.

He was about five miles away when the Japanese attacked the port the morning of December 7, 1941.

He had been married about five months and was staying on-shore when the attack happened. He said he heard the explosions while he was sitting for breakfast.

"Everybody that morning, around me and I'm sure all over the island, were real heroes without any regard for their own life and safety," Lt. Downing said. "They did what needed to be done."

He spent the morning trying to extinguish fires caused by the attack. Following Pearl Harbor, Lt. Downing served in the Navy for 24 years.

Visiting from his home in Colorado Spring, Lt. Downing visited the National World War II Memorial. He also just finished his book, 'The Other Side of Infamy.'

Lt. Downing has worked for a Christian ministry for years and say the horror of that day will live with him forever. "Pearl Harbor survivors have a motto: Remember Pearl Harbor, Keep America Alert. And I added, Keep America Alert and Strong."