101-Year-Old WWII Veteran Returns to USS New Jersey Battleship in Camden, Honored as Last Surviving Original Crew Member
A remarkable moment of living history unfolded in Camden earlier this month when a 101-year-old World War II veteran returned to the deck of the USS New Jersey, the storied battleship that served as his home during the war, in a ceremony that brought officials, veterans, and community members to tears.
Paul Robbins of New Jersey missed his high school graduation ceremony in 1943 because at 18 years old, he had a war to fight. While his classmates received their diplomas, Robbins’ mother collected his degree on his behalf. Shortly after, the young sailor attended the commissioning ceremony of the Battleship New Jersey in May 1943, marking the beginning of his service aboard one of the most powerful warships of the era.
More than eight decades later, Robbins returned to the vessel, now permanently docked in Camden as a floating museum and memorial. He was honored by the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial as the last known surviving member of the ship’s original crew, a distinction that carries profound historical significance as the World War II generation grows ever smaller.
The ceremony was attended by state and local dignitaries, veterans’ organizations, and members of the public who came to pay their respects and hear Robbins share memories of his wartime service. The veteran, described by those who know him as sharp and in good spirits, reflected on his time aboard the ship and the friends he lost during the war.
The USS New Jersey holds an honored place in American naval history. The vessel is the most decorated battleship in United States Navy history, having earned more battle stars than any other ship. During World War II, the ship served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. It was later reactivated and served again during the Korean War, Vietnam War, and in the 1980s off the coast of Lebanon.
Today the ship serves as a museum and memorial in the Delaware River waterfront area of Camden, attracting visitors from across the region and the country. The museum offers tours of the massive vessel, overnight stays on board, and educational programs for students and families.
Veterans’ advocates note that ceremonies like the one held for Robbins serve an important educational function, providing younger generations with a direct human connection to the sacrifices made during World War II. With the number of surviving World War II veterans now in the hundreds nationally, these opportunities to hear firsthand accounts from participants in the war are increasingly rare.
The event drew an outpouring of appreciation on social media and in local news coverage, with many residents expressing gratitude for Robbins’ service and for the opportunity to celebrate his remarkable life and legacy at a place so central to his personal history.
Sources
- Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial
- U.S. Navy History and Heritage Command