Hundreds Swarm World War II Navy Gunner’s Funeral After Some Worry No One Would Attend

Herman Schmidt’s funeral was attended by hundreds of Americans. Member The Navy Who was killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor But, his remains were recently identified after some were concerned that no one would be able to pay respect to the dead sailor.

Schmidt, originally from Sheridan in Wyoming, was killed during the surprise Japanese attack on American forces at Hawaii. Schmidt was a gunner aboard the USS Oklahoma. He was among 428 crewmen who were killed by multiple torpedo strikes and barrages by enemy aircraft. The Pearl Harbor attack was later called a by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. “date which will live in infamy” And asked Congress to declare war against Japan, officially entering the United States in World War II.

Navy officials found the remains of the crew members who died between December 1941 to June 1944. They were initially able only to identify 35 men from USS Oklahoma. However, recent advances in DNA technology have allowed officials to identify Schmidt’s remains. Press release From the Defense POW/MIA Agency.

Schmidt left behind his wife and infant son Michael Schmidt as he left to serve his country in Hawaii. Michael Schmidt, now aged 82 and in poor physical condition, indicated that he could not attend the Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C. funeral on February 23rd. Schmidt, the father he had never known, would be buried in full military honors.

“I have mixed emotions,” Michael Schmidt spoke during an Interview The Washington Times “I thought it was fantastic that they did it.”

Andrea McCarren was a journalist at WUSA-TV, and she is now the chief communications officer at PenFed Credit Union. She shared via social media that there was concern that no one would attend Herman Schmidt’s funeral. However, she announced Thursday afternoon that more than 500 people arrived at Arlington to pay respects to the World War II hero. Schmidt was also there. Honored Governor of his home state. Mark Gordon (R.WY), ordered Thursday’s flag flying at half staff.

People can achieve anything if they work together. Herman Schmidt, WWII hero and only survivor, was buried at the funeral attended by more than 500 people. There was fear that nobody would turn up. Schmidt had a new wife and a baby. His remains were just recently identified. pic.twitter.com/wMFeNgDplx

— Andrea McCarren (@AndreaMcCarren) February 23, 2023

The Defense Department Estimates The remains of more then 80,000 service personnel from past conflicts are still missing. It is estimated that 38,000 of them are recoverable. For example, 55 cases containing the remains American servicemen who died in the Korean War were turned over by North Korean officials. The cases were taken to Hawaii DNA analysis facilities.

However, approximately 99% of the soldiers who served in the Korean War or other conflicts did not have DNA records, according to a Report CNN. Therefore, the Veterans of Foreign Wars. It is strongly recommended The Defense Department will accept DNA samples from the families of Korean War veteran.

Family members can often find solace in the identification of missing servicemen’s remains. “From Belleau Wood to the Battle of the Bulge, Korea to Vietnam, Afghanistan to Iraq, and around the world, American patriots have dared all, risked all, and given all to defend our Nation and protect our liberties,” President Joe Biden commented in a Statement Before the National POW/MIA Recognition Day, September 16 “Now and always, we honor their service, valor, and sacrifice. We also continue the righteous work of bringing home our heroes who remain unaccounted for.”