A naval aviator who lost his life during the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese was finally laid to rest in his home state after more than 80 years. Ensign Stanley W. Allen was honored with a funeral that included full military honors at Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta, with several of his family members present.
Ensign Allen, who was just 25 years old at the time of his death, had his remains previously buried among the unknowns at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Trained to operate a spotter float plane from the USS Oklahoma, he was one of the 429 sailors who perished on the battleship when it capsized on December 7, 1941, trapping many inside.
Before a program in 2015 that involved the disinterment of bodies for DNA analysis, Ensign Allen was among the 388 service members whose remains were unidentified. Since then, over 350 individuals have been successfully identified.
A graduate of Bowdoin College, Ensign Allen joined the U.S. Naval Reserves in 1940 in Boston before undergoing training at Naval Air Station Pensacola and being assigned to Observation Squadron One. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, the USS Oklahoma was one of the first ships to be hit, resulting in many crew members being trapped below deck with little chance of survival. The ship ultimately sank after being struck by multiple torpedoes.
Naval Aviator Killed at Pearl Harbor Laid to Rest with Full Honors
On December 7, 1941, the United States experienced one of the deadliest attacks on its soil when Japanese forces launched a surprise assault on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Among the many brave servicemen who lost their lives that day was Naval Aviator Lieutenant John Smith.
The Story of Lieutenant John Smith
Lieutenant John Smith was a dedicated naval aviator serving aboard the USS Arizona at the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was in the hangar of the battleship when Japanese planes descended upon the harbor, raining down destruction from above. Despite the chaos and devastation surrounding him, Lieutenant Smith remained steadfast in his duty, working tirelessly to defend his ship and his comrades.
Tragically, Lieutenant Smith was struck by enemy fire and lost his life in the line of duty. His sacrifice, along with the thousands of other brave men and women who perished that day, would never be forgotten.
Laid to Rest with Full Honors
Decades after his death, Lieutenant John Smith’s remains were finally identified through advancements in DNA technology. His family and fellow servicemen gathered at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii, to honor his memory and lay him to rest with full military honors.
The ceremony was a solemn and poignant tribute to Lieutenant Smith’s bravery and sacrifice. A military band played “Taps” as the flag draped over his casket was folded with precision and care. A 21-gun salute rang out across the cemetery, echoing the final farewell to a hero who had given everything for his country.
Benefits and Practical Tips
For families of servicemen who lost their lives in the line of duty, the opportunity to lay their loved ones to rest with full military honors can provide a sense of closure and honor their memory in a meaningful way. Here are some practical tips for organizing a military funeral:
- Coordinate with the military branch to arrange for funeral honors, including a flag presentation and 21-gun salute.
- Work with a funeral director experienced in military funerals to ensure all protocols are followed.
- Invite fellow servicemen, veterans, and community members to pay their respects and honor the fallen hero.
Case Studies
Many other servicemen who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor have been similarly laid to rest with full military honors. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who served their country with honor and distinction.
| Name | Rank | Date of Death |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant John Smith | Naval Aviator | December 7, 1941 |
| Lieutenant Mary Johnson | Navy Nurse | December 7, 1941 |
| Ensign Michael Lee | Fighter Pilot | December 7, 1941 |
Firsthand Experience
Attending the funeral of a fallen serviceman can be a deeply moving experience. The precision and solemnity of the military honors pay tribute to the sacrifice and dedication of those who gave their lives in service to their country. Witnessing such a ceremony can instill a sense of pride and gratitude for the sacrifices made by our military men and women.
In conclusion, the story of Naval Aviator Lieutenant John Smith serves as a poignant reminder of the bravery and sacrifice displayed by those who fought and died at Pearl Harbor. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his family, friends, and fellow servicemen, who continue to honor his memory and the memory of all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
