Virginia Man Killed in World War II Accounted For After Nearly Eight Decades

This week, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency confirmed that David Walker, a young man from Virginia, who lost his life during World War II, has finally been identified and accounted for.

A Tragic Loss at Pearl Harbor

David Walker, aged 19, was among the crew members of the battleship USS California when it fell victim to a torpedo attack during the infamous assault on Pearl Harbor. Along with 102 others, Walker tragically lost his life during the attack.

Recovery Efforts and Identification

Remains from the USS California were recovered by U.S. Navy personnel and laid to rest in various cemeteries in Hawaii, including the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. However, it was only in 2018 that the remains of 25 individuals, including Walker, who were buried as "Unknowns," were exhumed for further analysis.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency conducted extensive anthropological and dental analyses, along with mitochondrial DNA testing by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, to identify David Walker.

Honoring a Fallen Hero

With the confirmation of his identity, a rosette will be placed next to Walker's name on the Walls of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Furthermore, he will be accorded a burial with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in September, as announced by the DPAA.

A Remembrance of His Life

According to Walker's personnel file, he hailed from Norfolk, Virginia, yet there is scant information available about surviving family members or his enlistment in the U.S. Navy. However, historical records indicate that Walker enlisted in the U.S. Navy approximately a year before the fateful events at Pearl Harbor. Additionally, it is known that he left high school prematurely to serve his country.

Notably, one news clipping revealed that Walker's mother, identified as Edna Lee Ward, approached a local reporter to publish her son's photo in the newspaper, commemorating his sacrifice at Pearl Harbor.

David Walker's story is one of bravery, sacrifice, and the enduring legacy of those who served their nation during its time of need.