Pearl Harbor Sailor Laid to Rest at Arlington National Cemetery 80 Years After Attack

The United States was shaken by the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor. Among the 429 U.S. service members who lost their lives aboard the USS Oklahoma was Navy Seaman 1st Class Frank Hryniewicz. Hryniewicz, a young man of just 20 years old, had joined the Navy less than two years prior, driven by his desire to explore the world.

After more than 80 years, Hryniewicz was finally laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery earlier this month, bringing closure to his family and honoring his sacrifice for his country.

A Family's Unwavering Bond

For decades, Hryniewicz's family held on to a poignant letter from his older brother, informing him of becoming an uncle and expressing the anxiety and uncertainty following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Despite the passing of years, the impact of Hryniewicz's presence in the family persisted, inspiring his niece Joie Hallstrom to follow in his footsteps and join the U.S. Navy.

Recently, the Hryniewicz family gathered at Arlington National Cemetery to pay tribute to Uncle Frank, receiving him with full military honors. The emotional significance of the moment was evident, with family members expressing a mix of relief and sorrow as they honored his memory.

The attack at Pearl Harbor led to the USS Oklahoma capsizing, trapping Hryniewicz and his fellow sailors inside the hull. Despite the harrowing circumstances, the resilience of the sailors was evident as they continued to signal for help from within the stricken vessel. However, the ultimate toll of the tragedy was devastating, with 429 sailors losing their lives.

Efforts of Recovery and Remembrance

The recovery efforts for the fallen sailors extended over several years, with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency working diligently to identify and piece together the remains of those lost on the USS Oklahoma. As a result of these dedicated efforts, a remarkable 92% of the missing service members from the Oklahoma were identified, offering closure to numerous families and honoring the memory of the fallen.

For the Hryniewicz family, the proper burial of their beloved uncle at Arlington National Cemetery brought a profound sense of relief, emphasizing the importance of honoring and remembering the sacrifices made by veterans. The presence of Navy Seaman 1st Class Frank Hryniewicz alongside his shipmates serves as a perpetual tribute, ensuring that he will never be forgotten.