MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The remains of a Minnesota sailor killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 are finally being returned to his hometown.
Navy Fireman 3rd Class Glaydon I.C. Iverson will receive a full-honors military funeral Saturday in Emmons, a tiny town along the Minnesota-Iowa border, the Twin Cities Pioneer Press (https://bit.ly/2qjdUiA ) reported.
Iverson died at the age of 24 aboard the USS Oklahoma, which was anchored at Ford Island in Pearl Harbor. The ship was hit by torpedoes and capsized, which led to almost 430 deaths.
Iverson’s remains were buried, unidentified, for more than 74 years at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. But in 2015, the deputy secretary of defense ordered the disinterment of unidentified remains associated with the USS Oklahoma.
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency analyzed the remains. Scientists used DNA analysis, circumstantial evidence and dental comparisons to identify Iverson.
“This is a tremendous honor for us,” said Capt. Nathaniel Strandquist, commanding officer of the Naval Operations Support Center Minneapolis. “Being able to serve our fallen shipmates that have served honorably, and helping bring closure to their family is one of the most important duties we do here.”
The funeral will be held at his family plot at a cemetery in Emmons.
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Information from: St. Paul Pioneer Press, https://www.twincities.com
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