USS Oklahoma Remains Preservation Project

USS Oklahoma Remains Preservation Project We are a non-profit organization raising money to support the Navy's project to identify the remains Other mass grave sites are yet to be excavated.

At the onset of World War II when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 the battleship USS Oklahoma (BB 37) was birthed outboard of the USS Maryland (BB 46) in battleship row. The first torpedo hit the ship just before 8 o'clock in the morning. Within minutes the ship sustained damage from multiple torpedoes and capsized. Some of the sailors were able to evacuate and swam to the M

aryland or the shore of Ford Island while other personnel manned smaller boats to begin to pull the wounded from the water. In the hours after the attack, crew members still trapped inside were rescued by cutting holes in the hall. 32 men were saved in this manner, 429 sailors and Marines were not so lucky. One of those sailors was Stanley F Drwall, pattern maker first-class, our Co-Founder's Mary Ann Ryther's Uncle. His remains were entombed in the ship until it was righted and the bodies removed. This first disinterment of those men started in July 1942 and ended in 1944. Some of the remains were immediately identified but there remain 393 buried among the unknowns at the national Memorial Cemetery, thus making the unknowns from the USS Oklahoma the single largest group of buried unidentified servicemen from the Pearl Harbor attack. Since then it has been determined that there are an additional 198 sailors from the Arizona, West Virginia, California, Nevada, Pennsylvania and the aircraft carrier Enterprise. Through the Navy's program approximately 100 of these sailors were disinterred and the program started to identify the remains and return them to their families. In a cemetery in Thomas, Tucker County, West Virginia there is a grave site with the marker Stanley F Drwall, pattern maker first-class USS Oklahoma, December 7, 1941. This grave is empty. We have been cooperating with the Navy for several years including DNA samples and a personal meeting with the Deputy Secretary of Defense in Chicago and anxiously awaiting the results of the government's DNA testing procedure. Within the last several months, the families of these missing in action (MIA) men were told the Secretary of the Navy is planning on ceasing this operation and burying the remains as unknowns in a mass grave on December 7, 2016. This is the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. We cannot let this happen.

Happy Easter..!!On this Easter Sunday, we extend our thoughts and prayers to the active servicemembers and their familie...
04/05/2026

Happy Easter..!!
On this Easter Sunday, we extend our thoughts and prayers to the active servicemembers and their families.

Freedom Isn't Free...!!Happy Veterans Day to all who have served. Without you, we wouldn't have the freedom to do what w...
11/11/2025

Freedom Isn't Free...!!
Happy Veterans Day to all who have served.
Without you, we wouldn't have the freedom to do what we do. We honor your bravery and sacrifice today and every day.

Happy Independence Day...!Today we celebrate freedom, and we remember the bravery of our veterans. Thank you for your co...
07/04/2025

Happy Independence Day...!

Today we celebrate freedom, and we remember the bravery of our veterans. Thank you for your courage and dedication.

Help Our Veterans...!!We are looking for compassionate volunteers to lend a hand to our local veteran community. Many of...
06/20/2025

Help Our Veterans...!!

We are looking for compassionate volunteers to lend a hand to our local veteran community. Many of our older veterans, particularly those who served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, would deeply appreciate the chance to share their invaluable life experiences and stories. A simple phone call, or even better, sharing a cup of coffee and conversation, can make a world of difference to these remarkable individuals. The opportunity to connect with them and hear their firsthand accounts offers a profoundly rewarding experience for our volunteers. If you're interested in making a positive impact on the lives of these brave men and women, please contact us at [email protected], or send a DM to this account.
Your time and companionship would be greatly appreciated.

“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God such men lived"...Gen. George S. Patton.
05/26/2025

“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God such men lived"...Gen. George S. Patton.

For those who serve and have served in the military, we honor your sacrifices and express our deepest gratitude. Your br...
05/25/2025

For those who serve and have served in the military, we honor your sacrifices and express our deepest gratitude. Your bravery and dedication to our country and freedoms are truly heroic. We recognize the ultimate price many have paid to keep our nation safe.

So enjoy this Memorial Day, but take a moment to reflect on its meaning too. Attend a local parade or ceremony if you can. Thank a veteran for their service. Raise a glass to those we've lost. Most of all, appreciate the liberties we enjoy as Americans, which come at such a high cost.

Here's to a memorable Memorial Day weekend - one filled with both joy and solemn reflection. Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Easter to our veteran and active-duty families!Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
04/20/2025

Happy Easter to our veteran and active-duty families!
Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

"December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy." These words, spoken by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, will forev...
12/07/2024

"December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy." These words, spoken by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, will forever echo in our minds as we remember the tragic events that took place on that day at Pearl Harbor. The peaceful morning was shattered by an unprovoked attack, leaving behind a trail of destruction and loss.

The attack on Pearl Harbor served as a wake-up call for a nation still reeling from the Great Depression. The devastation and loss of life galvanized the American people, instilling in them a deep sense of determination and resolve. The United States, previously hesitant to get involved in the war, was now compelled to join the Allied forces in their fight against tyranny and oppression.

As we remember this solemn anniversary, we pay tribute to those who lost their lives and honor the brave men and women who rose to the occasion in the face of unimaginable adversity. Their sacrifice and courage served as a beacon of hope in a time of darkness, inspiring generations to come.

The attack on Pearl Harbor marked a turning point in world history, leading to America's active involvement in World War II and the eventual defeat of the Axis powers. The lessons learned from this tragic event remind us of the importance of standing up to aggression and defending our cherished values of freedom and democracy.

Let us never forget the sacrifices made on that fateful day and continue to honor the memory of those who gave their lives in the pursuit of a better world.
..WE SHALL NEVER FORGET...

Happy Thanksgiving to all! As we gather with loved ones and enjoy the festivities, let us take a moment to remember and ...
11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving to all! As we gather with loved ones and enjoy the festivities, let us take a moment to remember and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Their bravery and commitment to our country deserve our deepest gratitude, particularly during this season of reflection and thanks.

Today, I took a moment to admire the World War II military equipment on display at the Canfield War Veterans Museum, in ...
11/13/2024

Today, I took a moment to admire the World War II military equipment on display at the Canfield War Veterans Museum, in Canfield, OH. Among the impressive exhibits, one piece stood out: the 40mm anti-aircraft gun. As I stood there, I couldn’t help but think about Doris Miller, an American hero whose story is often overlooked but deeply inspiring.

Doris Miller was a black sailor serving in a segregated unit in the U.S. Navy. On December 7, 1941, during the attack on Pearl Harbor, he displayed remarkable bravery. Despite never being trained to operate an anti-aircraft gun, he found one and began firing back at the Japanese attackers, saving lives in the process.

What struck me most about Miller’s story was his unwavering courage and dedication to his country and fellow servicemen, even in a world that didn’t treat him as an equal. He faced significant obstacles and prejudice, yet he stood tall and showed the world what it means to be a true hero.

Miller’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, courage, and a deep sense of duty. He should be celebrated not just by the black community, but by all Americans. In a world that often overlooks his contributions, Doris Miller proved that he was more than just a mess attendant in a segregated Navy unit. He was a true American hero, and his bravery and selflessness in the face of adversity continue to inspire us all. His legacy deserves to be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.

Our Thoughts, Prayers and Gratitude is With Our Entire Veteran Community.Thank You
11/11/2024

Our Thoughts, Prayers and Gratitude is With Our Entire Veteran Community.
Thank You

Address

468 High Street NE
Youngstown, OH
44481

Opening Hours

Monday 12pm - 6pm
Tuesday 12pm - 6pm
Wednesday 12pm - 6pm
Thursday 12pm - 6pm
Friday 12pm - 6pm
Saturday 11am - 8pm
Sunday 1pm - 8pm

Telephone

+13303068723

Website

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