Pearl Harbor sailor identified after 82 years through DNA analysis

The remains of a teen US Navy sailor killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor have been identified more than 82 years after his death through modern DNA analysis.

Royle Bradford Luker, who served aboard the USS West Virginia, will be buried with full military honours in Plainview, Arkansas, on May 30, according to his obituary published by Cornwell Funeral Homes.

“As a Fireman Third Class in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. West Virginia, he gave his all and was killed in the line of duty during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941,” the obituary stated.

Luker was among 106 crew members killed when Japanese forces attacked the battleship during the surprise assault on Pearl Harbor.

His remains were previously unidentified and buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

According to the Defence POW/MIA Accounting Agency, modern forensic testing and DNA analysis using samples from living relatives confirmed his identity in May 2024.

“More than 80 years later, DNA from Royle Luker and a family's willingness to share their DNA bridged the gap between loss and knowing. He will now be returned home and laid to rest,” his obituary stated.

Luker received several military honours, including the Purple Heart and the Navy Presidential Unit Citation, for his service during World War II.