Tens of thousands of U.S soldiers died on Japanese merchant vessels that were turned into prison ships. Many were never found or properly identified, leaving anguished families searching for answers.
World War II Navy veteran interred at Fort Riley after remains identified
William Barnett, 20, was killed at Pearl Harbor
Emma James/KSHB
Navy Fireman 3rd Class William Barnett is laid to rest on May 28, 2021, at Fort Riley National Cemetery. He was killed on Dec. 7, 1941, while serving aboard the USS West Virginia. His remains were not identified until September 2020.
and last updated 2021-05-28 16:28:43-04
KANSAS CITY, Mo. â A World War II veteran from Fort Riley, Kansas, was laid to rest Friday, following the identification of his remains 80 years after his death at Pearl Harbor.
Navy Fireman 3rd Class William Barnett was serving aboard the USS West Virginia on Dec. 7, 1941, when Japanese aircraft fired several torpedoes at the ship. Though crews prevented it from capsizing, Barnett was among the 106 crewmen who died and was considered missing in action.
How to Observe Memorial Day During the Pandemic
How to Observe Memorial Day During the Pandemic
6 ways to honor the fallen this year Share this story Published 1 hour ago Above image credit: An aerial view of the National World War I Museum and Memorial, which has a full slate of Memorial Day weekend events scheduled this year. (File photo)
On Memorial Day in 2019, visitors browsed the solemn exhibits of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Honolulu surrounded by 2,390 six-by-eight-inch U.S. flags, each tagged with the name and duty assignment of a person who died in the attack that prompted the United States’ entry into World War II.
On Memorial Day, my wish is that all Americans take the time to remember the sacrifices of these heroes by saying their names aloud. Saying the names of these men and women keeps their memory alive the memory of their service, commitment, dedication and love of country.