USS Oklahoma Seaman laid to rest in Grifton after 83 years

GRIFTON, N.C. (WITN) – A Navy seaman was finally laid to rest after being unidentifiable for the past 83 years.

On December 7, 1941, Japanese naval and air forces attacked Pearl Harbor, leaving thousands dead and many lost, including sailor Joseph C. Rouse.

Dozens of people gathered at Riverside Christian Churchyard in Grifton to visit the hometown and burial site of Joseph C. Rouse.

His family says he was a Seaman First Class aboard the USS Oklahoma during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The USS Oklahoma was destroyed, and many sailors were tragically trapped below the deck.

Two years after the attack, Rouse and many others were considered unidentifiable and were buried in Hawaii.

Even though he has no immediate family, he does have over 20 nieces and nephews who grew up listening to stories about him. His niece says her mother never stopped looking for him.

“At the age of 83, she was contacted by the US Department of Defense to donate DNA for possible matches to unknown remains. My mother was gleeful. She could have done cartwheels. She was convinced, “Oh, now, now it’s going to happen. They’re bringing Joseph home” says Gwen Clark.

US Navy Admiral John Robinson, who drove from the Pentagon in Washington DC was also present to show his respect for Rouse.

“The military is committed to not leaving anyone behind. We are committed to a full accounting of our servicemen and women. This was truly an example of that. It can take many, many years, but we are completely committed to bringing everyone home” says US Navy Admiral John Robinson.

Seaman first class is a former rank that no longer exists in the Navy today.

For more information on Joseph C. Rouse click here

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