By John Q. Hosedrinker 
After 84 years, the remains of U.S. Navy Mess Attendant 3rd Class Neil D. Frye, killed during the Pearl Harbor attack, were identified and returned to his family. His sister, Mary Frye McCrimmon, 87, laid him to rest with full military honors on what would have been his 104th birthday. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency used DNA and anthropological analysis to confirm his identity after years of searching by his family. Frye’s remains were recovered from the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific and his name will now be marked with a rosette on the Walls of the Missing.
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The recent identification of a sailor killed in the Pearl Harbor attack, 84 years after the event, brought a long-awaited sense of closure to his family. It’s a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of this pivotal moment in history and the tireless efforts to identify the fallen, even decades later.
This incredible development highlights the persistence of one sister, who spent years searching for any sign of her brother, never giving up hope. Her unwavering determination to find her brother is profoundly moving, a testament to the enduring strength of familial bonds, and the power of hope even in the face of devastating loss. Her actions serve as a poignant counterpoint to the vast, impersonal scale of war, personalizing the immeasurable tragedy.
The discovery underscores the ongoing work of the Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). Their dedication to identifying the remains of those lost in conflicts past continues to bring answers to families who have waited decades, even generations, for news of their loved ones. Their consistent progress in identifying remains from Pearl Harbor and other locations, like Japanese POW camps, speaks volumes about the commitment to bringing these brave soldiers home.
This identification provides a stark contrast to the concerns some have expressed about the potential erasure of historical figures from official records. The very act of identifying this sailor after all these years is a powerful refutation of such fears, a tangible symbol of the enduring memory of those who served.
The age of the sailor at the time of his death is particularly striking. His youthful face, visible in the surviving photographs, serves as a potent reminder of the youth lost in the war, a generation cut down before they had the chance to fully live their lives. It’s a heartbreaking juxtaposition of youthful potential against the brutal reality of war.
The family’s reaction to the identification is understandably mixed. While the news undoubtedly brought a sense of closure and peace, it also stirs up a profound wave of grief for a loss felt for so many years. The identification, while undeniably positive, is also bittersweet, a reminder of the irreplaceable loss felt by the family.
The news also prompts reflection on the larger context of the Pearl Harbor attack and World War II. It’s a stark reminder of the sheer scale of death and destruction, and the countless families impacted by the war, each carrying their own unique stories of loss and resilience.
The identification of this sailor is more than just a historical event; it’s a deeply personal story of loss, perseverance, and the ultimate triumph of hope over despair. The story reminds us that the wounds of war can endure for generations, but the search for answers and the pursuit of closure can offer profound solace. It’s a testament to the strength of family and the unwavering dedication to honoring the fallen.
The family’s story brings to light the ongoing importance of remembering and honoring the sacrifices made by those who fought and died in past conflicts. The decades-long wait for identification underscores the lasting impact of war and highlights the continuing need for these agencies to carry on their vital work, bringing comfort and closure to families who have waited so long.
Ultimately, the identification of this Pearl Harbor sailor after 84 years serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of memory, family, and the commitment to bringing home those lost to war. The story highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of never giving up hope, even in the face of overwhelming loss. It is a deeply moving testament to the enduring legacy of those who served and a hopeful sign that even the oldest wounds can eventually begin to heal.