Accident – Death – Obituary News :
The Discovery of Abingdon Veteran’s Remains from World War II
Abingdon, a quaint town in Virginia, was recently the site of a heartwarming discovery that brought closure to a family after 83 long years. The remains of James W. Holzhauer, a brave veteran who served in World War II, were finally accounted for, providing his loved ones with the full information they had been seeking for decades.
The Background Story of James W. Holzhauer
James W. Holzhauer, a native of Abingdon, VA, served in the Navy during World War II and was stationed on the battleship USS Oklahoma at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. Unfortunately, the ship fell victim to a devastating attack by Japanese aircraft, resulting in multiple torpedo hits that caused it to overturn rapidly. Tragically, Holzhauer, who was only 23 years old at the time, was among the 429 crewmen who lost their lives during the Pearl Harbor attacks.
The Recovery Efforts and Identification Process
Following the Pearl Harbor attacks, from December 1941 to June 1944, Navy personnel diligently worked to recover the remains of the deceased crew members. These remains were then laid to rest in the Halawa and Nu’uanu Cemeteries on Oahu. In September 1947, the American Graves Registration Service (AGRS) took on the responsibility of recovering and identifying fallen U.S. personnel in the Pacific Theater.
The Ongoing Search for Closure
Despite the tireless efforts of the AGRS, it was not until recently that Holzhauer’s remains were finally identified. His name had been recorded in the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl in Honolulu, and a rosette will now be placed next to it to signify that he has been accounted for. This discovery brings a sense of closure not only to Holzhauer’s family but also to the community of Abingdon as a whole.
Continuing the Mission to Honor Fallen Heroes
The Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country remains ongoing. For more information on this noble cause and to learn about the DPAA’s efforts, visit their website for updates on the progress being made in bringing closure to families of missing service members..
