Minnesota, 102, one of two remaining survivors of the USS Houston

FOREST LAKE, Minn. — Of the more than 16 million Americans who served in World War II, less than 1 percent, or 120,000, are still with us today.

Robert Hanley says he has been thinking about the men lost aboard the USS Houston for 82 years. The 102-year-old man was only 20 years old when his ship was sunk by the Japanese navy.

“Only 464 of them got out when we got infected and 363 of them came back from my prison camp,” Hanley said. “So I think about them on Memorial Day and I pray for them.”

Today, Henley is just one of two surviving crew members on the ship, as the number of World War II veterans continues to dwindle.

“We’re losing them at a very rapid rate,” said Christine Hanley, Robert’s granddaughter. “Their information and inspiring stories should last a lifetime.”

Christine Hanley knows how inspiring stories can be. His grandfather is the reason for his career in the Navy.

“It’s really interesting to know someone who has done something so incredible for our country and for other people. And to have the spirit and humility that this man has at his age is just phenomenal ” said Christine Hanley.

Before Memorial Day weekend, a ceremony was held in Hanley’s honor at his hospice, sharing cake and stories with friends and family.

Christine Hanley encourages everyone to take the opportunity to meet men like her grandfather while they still can.

“I’m honored to be able to continue telling his story with him for now,” Christine Hanley said. “But I’m very aware of the fact that this is happening quickly…That window is closing quickly, so any opportunity that people have to go out and talk to a veteran, especially World War II veterans, must take advantage of it.