BISMARCK, ND (trfnews.i234.me) — The remains of Navy Fireman 1st Class Edward D. Johnson, a World War II veteran from North Dakota, have been identified nearly 80 years after he perished during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) confirmed that Johnson’s remains were officially accounted for in September 2020.
Johnson, a native of Hurdsfield, was stationed aboard the USS Oklahoma when it was attacked on December 7, 1941, leading to the deaths of 429 crew members. Johnson was among those tragically lost in the bombing.
Senator John Hoeven, who played a key role in advancing legislation that established the DPAA, paid tribute to Johnson, saying, “The Greatest Generation’s legacy of service and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and Edward D. Johnson is no different. His bravery and ultimate sacrifice remind us of the immense cost of freedom.”
In 2015, the DPAA exhumed unknown remains from the USS Oklahoma that had been interred at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (NMCP), commonly known as the Punchbowl. Through extensive DNA testing and historical records, Johnson’s remains were positively identified, bringing long-awaited closure to his family and fellow North Dakotans.
Johnson is set to be reburied at the Punchbowl in October, where he will be honored for his service and sacrifice. His identification stands as a testament to the relentless efforts of the DPAA to bring home those who gave their lives for their country.
As North Dakota honors Johnson’s legacy, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the bravery of the men and women of the “Greatest Generation.”
The DPAA continues its mission to identify and return the remains of those who served in wars, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.