The Morning Brew: Oklahoma Marine home 76 years after Pearl Harbor
Marine home 76 years later
Pvt. Vernon Paul Keaton was 18 when he died along with more than 400 shipmates during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor 76 years ago next month.
Keaton served on the Oklahoma, which was felled by multiple blows from torpedoes. His remains remained trapped in the wreckage until 1947 when the ship was finally raised by the Navy. Wednesday his remains were transported to Oklahoma.
Nearly 76 years later, Keaton’s remains, identified by modern DNA testing by the Department of Defense, was brought home to some of his remaining family in Oklahoma City last night (on Nov. 14th). The young Marine’s sacrifice was recognized with a water arch provided by Will Rogers World Airport firefighters as his Delta Airlines flight taxied on a secluded airport runway.
Keaton's niece met his remains at the airport amid an honor guard.
“He’s my uncle,” Lewis said. “It means a whole lot. I was raised by my grandmother and she always said he was coming home.”
Thousands of Oklahmans served during World War II. For more on their stories check out The Oklahoman's Memories of War project.
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Matt Patterson has been with The Oklahoman since 2006. Prior to joining the news staff in 2010, Patterson worked in The Oklahoman's sports department for five years. He previously worked at The Lawton Constitution and The Edmond Sun.... Read more ›