WASHINGTON — According to a release, a Kentucky Navy seaman, died at Pearl Harbor, has been accounted for.
The Defense POW/MIA Account Agency (DPAA) said Navy Seaman 2nd Class Floyd D. Helton, of Somerset, was accounted for in April.
Helton, 18, was assigned to the USS Oklahoma battleship. The ship sustained multiple torpedo hits during the Japanese aircraft raid and quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Helton.
To identify Helton’s remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and anthropological analysis.
“For almost 80 years, families of the sailors who died on the Oklahoma could mourn their sons and fathers, brothers and husbands only at a distance,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “But thanks to the meticulous, persistent work of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Kentucky sailors are finally coming home.”
Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used DNA analysis.
Helton’s name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl, along with the others who are missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.
The Navy Seaman will be buried Saturday, July 31 in Burnside, Kentucky. Gov. Beshear has ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff on Saturday in honor of Seaman 2nd Class Helton.
For family and funeral information, contact the Navy Service Casualty office at (800) 443-9298.
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