Recent events have marked the final resting place for the remains of U.S. Navy Seaman 2nd Class John C. Auld, who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) confirmed through forensic methods that Auld, originally from Newcastle, England, was aboard the USS Oklahoma when it capsized after being struck by multiple torpedoes, as reported by CBS News. The attack resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmembers aboard the USS Oklahoma, the greatest loss of life from a single ship that day, second only to the USS Arizona.
Distinct from the tribute paid to Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Owen Francis Patrick Hammerberg from Michigan for his sacrifice in Pearl Harbor, finally, after more than 80 years, the Auld family gets closure. The sailor's nephew, Richard Auld, expressed his sentiments to the Detroit Free Press, saying that the family felt "honored to be able to put him with his mom and brother in the same cemetery," despite his never having been to Albuquerque.
In contrast, Hammerberg's actions during the West Loch Disaster, which took place long after the initial Pearl Harbor attack, have been recognized for their valor. A Michigan native, Hammerberg was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism in saving two men trapped under a sunken ship, sacrificing his own life in the process, as reported by ClickOnDetroit. In recognition of his bravery, several commemorative sites and a United States Navy destroyer bear his name.
The work of the DPAA has helped fill gaps in family histories and demonstrates America's ongoing commitment to its military personnel. With a budget of $150 million for fiscal year 2023, the agency has identified over 2,400 unaccounted service members from the nation's conflicts. As the Detroit Free Press reports, the Navy reassured that "No matter what happens, we’re going to be there to make sure you come home," emphasizing the nation's unwavering commitment to this solemn responsibility. A promise resonated by the Oakland University philosophy professor Mark Navin, emphasizing the value America places on ensuring that those who have sacrificed "all for your country" are respected in death as part of the social contract.
