WWII Sailor’s Remains Returned After 84 Years

The remains of Royle Bradford Luker, a 17-year-old sailor killed in the World War II attack on Pearl Harbor, have finally been brought home for a proper burial more than 84 years later. Luker will be interred with full military honors on May 30 in Plainview, Arkansas, alongside his parents. His father was a veteran of World War I.

Luker, who served as a Fireman Third Class on the U.S.S. West Virginia, lost his life during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. His identity was confirmed decades later through modern forensic testing and DNA analysis, comparing his remains with DNA from living relatives.

The U.S.S. West Virginia suffered extensive damage during the surprise attack by Japanese forces on Pearl Harbor.

For his bravery and sacrifice, Luker was posthumously awarded several military honors. These include the Purple Heart, the Navy Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism, the Gold Star Veteran designation, the Combat Action Ribbon, and several campaign and victory medals. These acknowledgments highlight his courage during combat.

In the attack, Luker was among 106 crew members killed when the battleship was struck. He had previously been listed as killed in action and remained unidentified, with his remains interred as unknowns at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. His name was also listed on the Courts of the Missing there.

On May 29, 2024, Luker’s remains were officially accounted for after authorities conducted modern forensic and DNA testing on exhumed caskets.

Luker was the son of George F. Luker, a World War I veteran, and Nettie Estelle David Luker. His family remembers him with pride and love, especially those who lived in Arkansas during his deployment. He is survived by two nephews, Donald Bradford Henderson and John Luker, and a niece, Becky Downen Lensing.

The U.S.S. West Virginia was anchored at Ford Island during the 1941 attack. The Japanese forces launched torpedoes, causing the ship to sink to the harbor floor. The long wait for Luker’s return is now over, owing to DNA analysis and his family’s cooperation. His final resting place is now secured.