Oklahoma Veteran Killed In Pearl Harbor Attack Finally Brought Home

After nearly 80 years, an Oklahoman who died in the Pearl Harbor attack returned home. News 9's Caleigh Bourgeois has the story.

Monday, September 21st 2020, 10:30 pm



After nearly 80 years, an Oklahoman who died in the Pearl Harbor attack returned home.

James C. Webb was serving on The USS Oklahoma during the attack. His remains were finally identified last year.

Bill Ashworth is Webb’s nephew and oldest surviving relative.

Ashworth was just 7 years old when Webb passed away.

“It all became real to us after the attack,” Ashworth said.

Webb’s remains were identified thanks to DNA technology.

After many months delay due to the pandemic, Webb’s remains were finally flown home to Oklahoma on Monday.

Ashworth said he was given options of burying his uncle in Arlington National Cemetery or Hawaii, but Oklahoma was the best option.

“Why bring him home? Well, that's where I would want to be. I kind of think if he'd had the choice, he probably would have come home,” Ashworth said.

With the assistance of the Navy, Cooper Funeral Home and Southwest Airlines, Webb was finally returned home for burial.

The service is set for Wednesday at the Dale Cemetery, where after all this time, James Webb will always be close to family.

“If I could speak to him now, I’d say, ‘thank you. Thank you from my heart,’” Ashworth said.

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