Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Earl R. Melton, 24, of Lakewood, the U.S. Sailor from Lakewood killed during World War ll and whose remains were recently identified, has been laid to rest.
A funeral for Melton was held last week in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C.
As first reported on TLS last week, on Dec. 7, 1941, Melton was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Melton.
Melton was recently identified through DNA analysis and returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
(DPAA Photos by Army Sgt. 1st Class Kristen Duus)
May he finally rest in peace.