Remains of Pearl Harbor Sailor Return Home After 84 Years

The remains of Royle Bradford Luker, a 17-year-old sailor killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor, will be returning to Plainview, Arkansas, for burial. His interment will take place on May 30 with full military honors, as detailed in his obituary. Luker will be laid to rest next to his parents, one of whom was a World War I veteran.

As a Fireman Third Class on the U.S.S. West Virginia, Luker lost his life in action during the attack in Hawaii on December 7, 1941. Recent forensic testing and DNA analysis matched his remains with living relatives, confirming his identity after all these years.

He gave his all and was killed in the line of duty during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

The sailor received numerous posthumous honors for his service, including the Purple Heart and the Navy Presidential Unit Citation, which is awarded for extraordinary bravery under enemy fire. Other recognitions included the Gold Star Veteran designation and several campaign medals.

During Japan’s unexpected attack on Pearl Harbor, the USS West Virginia suffered multiple torpedo strikes, leading to the deaths of 106 crew members including Luker. For a long time, he was listed as killed in action but interred as unknown at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

Nearly 82 years after he died, Luker was officially accounted for on May 29, 2024, when authorities exhumed numerous caskets for identification through modern techniques.

Royle Luker was the son of George F. Luker, a World War I veteran, and Nettie Estelle David Luker. Some family members, who lived in Arkansas during his service, remembered him fondly. He is survived by two nephews and a niece.

The U.S. Navy reports that during the attack, the USS West Virginia was moored at Ford Island and was hit by several torpedoes, eventually sinking in the harbor.

Written by Bonny Chu, Breaking and Trending News Writer for Fox News Digital.