Remains of Sailor Who Died at Pearl Harbor Reunited with Family After 77 Years
After 77 years, the remains of a Navy seaman who died in the 1941 attack at Pearl Harbor have been reunited with family.
The sailor, from Jackson, Ohio, was only 25 years old when he was killed in the Japanese attack.
The sailor’s remains were considered unidentifiable, buried in Honolulu until 2015. His remains were exhumed for further examination during the summer of 2015, where DNA and dental analysis helped identify the veteran.
In August 2017, the American hero was identified as Navy Seaman Second Class Frank Wood. The seaman had been assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which capsized during the World War II attack.
After decades in Honolulu, Wood’s remains traveled to Franklin, North Carolina, where his descendants live. His final destination would be among family, laid to rest in Carsons Cemetery.
Wood’s family was humbled and honored at the respect shown for the war hero. During a somber procession through Franklin, people raised American flags in salute to the fallen hero.
A patriot guard escorted Wood through town, his remains buried on April 9 with full military honors.
Jack Overly, the nephew of Frank Wood, described the emotional scene.
“It’s just so awe-inspiring, the turnout here, and the streets lined with people,” Overly said.
Family, friends and community members came out to pay their respects to the fallen hero.
Roughly 100 people attended Wood’s burial, many of them military veterans who felt a connection to a man they’d never known. Military bonds run deep, leaving veterans with a deep sense of loss mingled with pride at the patriotic scene.
“It’s such an emotional thing,” Overly said, trying to put the experience into words. “But I guess you can use the word ‘closure.'”
“It’s more than that,” Overly continued. “It’s just something we thought would never happen.”
People around the country have expressed condolences and heartfelt thanks for the soldier’s sacrifice. At last, Frank Wood is home.
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