Remains of WWII Sailor Returned Home for Burial After 84 Years

The remains of Royle Bradford Luker, a 17-year-old sailor killed during the Pearl Harbor attack in World War II, are returning to Plainview, Arkansas, for burial over 84 years later. According to his obituary, the burial ceremony is scheduled for May 30, where he will receive full military honors and be laid to rest beside his parents. His father served as a veteran of World War I.

Luker served as a Fireman Third Class in the United States Navy on the U.S.S. West Virginia. He lost his life during the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. Modern forensic tests and DNA analysis matched his remains with living relatives, leading to his identification decades later.

As a Fireman Third Class in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. West Virginia, he gave his all and was killed in the line of duty during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941,” his obituary from Cornwell Funeral Homes stated.

For his service and ultimate sacrifice, Luker was awarded numerous military honors. These include the Purple Heart, the Navy Presidential Unit Citation, the Combat Action Ribbon, and several campaign medals. His obituary also lists the Gold Star Veteran designation and the Navy Good Conduct Medal among his accolades.

Luker was one of 106 crew members killed when the USS West Virginia was torpedoed in the attack. Initially buried as an unidentified soldier at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, his name was memorialized on the Courts of the Missing.

Nearly 82 years following his death, on May 29, 2024, Luker’s remains were officially identified. This was achieved after authorities exhumed several caskets for advanced forensic and DNA analysis. His parents, George F. Luker and Nettie Estelle David Luker, survived him as part of a family proud of his legacy.

Alongside siblings, Luker is survived by two nephews, Donald Bradford Henderson and John Luker, and a niece, Becky Downen Lensing. His family’s cooperation with DNA testing bridged a historical gap, allowing him to return home from the place of his loss.

According to information from the U.S. Navy, the USS West Virginia suffered multiple torpedo hits while moored at Ford Island, eventually sinking. The attack was a significant event in history, marking a key engagement during World War II.