Radioman 3rd Class Charles A. Montgomery is laid to rest after an 80-year journey back home.

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Dale Cornelison | 221110-N-MU154-0108 PHILADELPHIA (Nov. 10, 2022) Naval Support Activity Philadelphia's Funeral Honors Detail remove the remains of Radioman 3rd Class Charles Montgomery, killed Dec. 7, 1941 in the attacks on Pearl Harbor. Montgomery was laid to rest in his hometown of Folcroft Pennsylvania Nov. 10, 2022. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dale D. Cornelison/Released)  

PHILADELPHIA, PA, UNITED STATES

11.10.2022

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Dale Cornelison 

Naval Support Activity Philadelphia

PA Native Returns Home

WWII Pearl Harbor Navy KIA Buried with Full Honors

PHILADELPHIA -- One day before Veterans Day, Nov. 10, on a sun-splashed cemetery
hillside with the autumn’s brilliance in full glory, an 80-year journey for an American hero and his
family has finally ended. U.S. Navy Radioman 3 rd Class Charles A. Montgomery’s was laid to rest
with full military honors near his home north of Philadelphia.
The 21-year-old Sailor was killed Dec. 7, 1941, during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Montgomery was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl
Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The attack on the ship resulted in the
deaths of 429 crewmen, including Montgomery.
“It’s amazing, it’s truly amazing. He’s come home, he’s where he belongs. His brothers, his
mother and his father are buried here and this is where he belongs. We are very grateful,” said
Montgomery’s niece Joanne Shawver of Mountain Home Idaho.
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced early last year that Montgomery’s
remains were identified thru dental and anthropological analysis.
Aviation Structural Mechanic 3 rd Class Kahlil Cloud, assigned to Naval Support Activity
Philadelphia’s Funeral Honors team said, “It is very encouraging to know that after all the time that
has passed, that the Navy is still out looking for and recovering our lost shipmates and reuniting
them with their families. It’s an honor to be able to play a part in this process.”

• Date Taken: 11.10.2022
• Date Posted: 11.16.2022 11:49
• Story ID: 433372
• Location: PHILADELPHIA, PA, US