Laid to Rest: Burials After the Battle

Laid to Rest: Burials After the Battle highlights a poignant chapter of history that continues to touch lives even after 75 years. Although the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor has become a distant memory, some of the brave souls who perished that day are only now being properly identified and honored. One such story is that of Walter Henry Sollie, a young sailor aboard the USS Oklahoma who vanished amidst the chaos of war. His fate was a mystery, and like many others, his remains were classified as Killed in Action, their final resting place unknown for decades.

Walter Henry Sollie’s tale offers a beacon of hope to families of other lost heroes. Nearly 75 years after the attack, the Defense Department’s persistent efforts to identify these remains brought Sollie’s story full circle. Through modern DNA analysis, his remains were positively identified and finally returned to his family, giving him the dignified burial he deserved.

Walter Sollie is not alone in this journey of rediscovery. Navy Chief Petty Officer Albert Eugene Hayden was also among those who found a proper resting place decades later. In 2016, Hayden’s remains were identified and laid to rest in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, next to his parents. Like Sollie, he had been aboard the USS Oklahoma, where he perished alongside hundreds of shipmates during the devastating attack on December 7, 1941.

Another moving story is that of John Charles England. A courageous sailor aboard the USS Oklahoma, England made multiple trips back into the sinking ship to rescue his comrades. Tragically, he never returned from his final attempt to save others. In 2016, his remains, too, were identified and finally honored after decades of anonymity.

The Defense Department’s initiative to identify the remains of fallen servicemen has brought closure to many families. Gravesites previously marked as “Unknown” are now being exhumed, and advanced forensic technology is helping give names back to these unsung heroes. The program’s ongoing efforts have already revealed the identities of numerous Pearl Harbor casualties, shedding light on their sacrifices and providing long-overdue recognition.

To truly appreciate the legacy of these heroes, consider visiting the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument at Pearl Harbor. This historic site offers a deep dive into the events of December 7, 1941, showcasing the bravery and tragedy of that day.

Explore the Battleship Missouri, stand above the sunken USS Arizona, and pay your respects at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, where countless World War II soldiers have been laid to rest. Each of these memorials serves as a lasting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who gave their lives for freedom.

As the Defense Department continues its mission, the stories of heroes like Sollie, Hayden, and England remind us of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring importance of honoring those who fought valiantly in one of America’s darkest hours. Their names and sacrifices will never be forgotten, ensuring their legacy lives on in the annals of history.