The Last of a Generation

The World War II generation is fading, not from memory, but the men and women of 1941-1945 are now in their 80's & 90's. Newport Life Magazine asked me to do a portrait of Herb Rommell, who was on board the USS Oklahoma at the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Mr. Rommell lives in Newport, RI. His wife passed away 5 years ago, so he lives alone.

When I arrived to take his portrait, he was dressed in his Navy Blues, all his medals, and seated in this simple chair in the center of his living room. I only had about 10 minutes with him. He was a gentleman, quiet, but with a nice soft laugh. He's seen alot in his life. The magazine will be out for December, and will feature Mr. Rommell's life and his recollections of Pearl Harbor, along with one of the portraits. You never know which one the editorswill choose, and it's totally out of your control. I like this one. Mr. Rommell's face and eyes show a long life, of proud service and hardship.