Another Unknown USS Oklahoma Sailor Accounted For

From the December 21, 2022,  WTRF (West Virginia)  "West Virginia sailor  in World War II on USS Oklahoma accounted for."

The Defense Department POW/MIA  Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Navy Fire Controlman 2nd Class  Donald R. McCloud, 21, of Monaville, West Virginia, killed during WW II, was accounted for on September 23, 2022.

On December 7, 1941, McCloud was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, moored in Pearl Harbor when the attack came.  The ship sustained multiple torpedo hits which caused her to quickly capsize.

The attack resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Don McCloud who was listed originally as MIA, but later declared dead.  His remains were found, but could not be identified  until recently.

To identify his remains, dental records and anthropological evidence were used.  Additionally there was DNA analysis.

He will be buried June 24, 2023, in Dingess, West Virginia.

--GreGen

Remains of Grayslake (Illinois) Sailor Killed at Pearl Harbor Identified-- Part 1: Herbert B. Jacobson, 21

From the March 16, 2020, Chicago Daily Herald by Russell Lissau.

This one is of special interest to me because I lived for 17 years in Round Lake Beach, which is next to Grayslake.  We still live within thirty miles of that village.  Until I found out he was going to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery I planned to go to his funeral if it was in the area.

Navy Fireman 3rd Class Herbert B. Jacobson's remains have been identified some 78 years after his death.  He was one of the USS Oklahoma's Unknowns after December 7, 1941.  These were the men whose remains could not be identified after the ship was finally raised some two years later.

DNA, dental records  and other analysis were used to confirm his remains.

After receiving multiple torpedo hits, the Oklahoma capsized and 429 sailors aboard her lost their lives.

--GreGen

For Pearl Harbor Unknowns, A Final Rest-- Part 3: "Everyone Has the Right to Have Their Names Back"

Researchers using genealogical records to track down descendants who could provide DNA samples.  These samples are crossed with DNA pulled from the skulls and teeth of the servicemen to find a match.

So far, according to Captain Edward A Reedy, a medical doctor who is lab director for the POW/MIA Accounting Agency, research teams have found strong DNA or dental evidence for nearly 350 of the 388 sailors and Marines from the USS Oklahoma.

The oil from the stricken ship has helped to preserve the bones and Reedy is confident that the teams will identify nearly 310 of the servicemen by the time the project is scheduled to end in 2020.

This article is from December 7, 2016.  Just recently the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command has released a report that they have now identified 100 of the men.

"In my line of work, there is no higher honor than returning a missing individual to their loved ones,"  Reedy said.  "Everyone has a right to have their names back.  It's been nearly 75 years since they have had their names back.  It is about time they do."

--GreGen