The remains of a young sailor, Royle Bradford Luker, who perished during the World War II attack on Pearl Harbor, are finally returning home for a dignified burial. After more than 84 years, Luker will be rested with full military honors in Plainview, Arkansas, on May 30. His final resting place will be alongside his parents, including his father, a World War I veteran.
At 17, Royle was serving as a Fireman Third Class on the U.S.S. West Virginia when he tragically lost his life during the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. His identity was confirmed decades later after forensic testing and DNA analysis compared his remains with those of living relatives.
Pearl Harbor Remembrance
Luker was one of 106 crew members killed when Japan conducted its surprise assault on the U.S.S. West Virginia at Pearl Harbor. His remains were buried anonymously at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific for decades. It was only after extensive DNA testing that Luker’s identity was officially recognized on May 29, 2024.
To acknowledge his service and sacrifice, Royle Bradford Luker received numerous awards: the Purple Heart, the Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Gold Star Veteran designation, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.
“More than 80 years later, DNA from Royle Luker and a family’s willingness to share their DNA bridged the gap between loss and knowing. He will now be returned home and laid to rest,” his obituary stated.
Family Legacy
Royle’s legacy survives through his relatives, including nephews Donald Bradford Henderson and John Luker, and niece Becky Downen Lensing. His family cherishes his memory, recalling him with pride and love.
The U.S.S. West Virginia battled valiantly at Pearl Harbor, sustaining multiple hits before sinking to the harbor floor. Its story, along with Luker’s, remains a poignant reminder of the courage and sacrifices made during World War II.