The remains of a teenage US Navy sailor killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor have been identified through modern DNA analysis, more than 82 years after his death.
Royal Bradford Luker, who served aboard the USS West Virginia, will be buried with full military honors on May 30 in Plainview, Arkansas, according to his obituary published by Cornwell Funeral Homes.
The obituary states, “As a third class fireman in the United States Navy aboard the USS 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.”
Luker was one of 106 crew members killed when Japanese forces attacked the battleship during the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.
His remains were previously unknown and were buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, modern forensic testing and DNA analysis using samples from surviving relatives confirmed his identity in May 2024.
“After more than 80 years, Royal Lurker’s DNA and one family’s willingness to share his DNA bridged the gap between loss and knowing. Now he will be returned home and laid to rest,” his obituary said.
Luker received numerous military honors, including a Purple Heart and the Navy Presidential Unit Citation, for his service during World War II.
