Neil D. Frye identified after 84 years since Pearl Harbor attack
- Neil D. Frye, a U.S. Navy sailor, was initially interred as an unknown in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific after being killed in the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941.
- Frye's family has actively sought to identify his remains for the past decade, culminating in positive identification in late September 2024.
- His return brings closure to his family, who have long remembered him and the connection they had before his death at such a young age.
In the United States, the legacy of World War II continues to resonate deeply, most notably in the personal stories of those who served. One such story is that of U.S. Navy Mess Attendant 3rd Class Neil D. Frye, who was killed during the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. His remains were interred among many unknown servicemen at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, commonly known as the Punchbowl, for decades. For nearly 84 years, Frye's family, especially his sister, worked tirelessly to locate him and bring closure to their long-standing grief. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced Frye's identification on September 27, 2024. This realization for the family came after years of the DPAA conducting extensive investigations which included an analysis of dental records, anthropological methods, and mitochondrial DNA tests. The remains, initially one of many unidentified servicemen, were disinterred for further exploration by scientists, which finally led to the successful identification of Frye. His family's efforts to find him have been ongoing since 2014, which saw them attend meetings and collaborate with various agencies to keep the memory of their brother alive. At just 20 years old at the time of his passing, Neil D. Frye made a significant sacrifice during one of the most pivotal moments in American history. The attack on Pearl Harbor not only claimed his life but also led to significant losses for the Navy, with the USS West Virginia suffering multiple hits and a total of 106 crew members perishing on that fateful day. This attack marked the entry of the United States into World War II, forever altering the course of history. Although the many years have passed since his death, the identification of Frye provided invaluable closure for his family. His sister, with memories of a childhood spent with him, expressed a mixture of happiness and relief upon learning that the search was finally over. Even though their parents did not live to see Neil returned, she believes they would have shared in the joy of knowing he was finally home. In memorial to his service and sacrifice, Frye has been posthumously honored with a Purple Heart Medal as well as a Combat Action Ribbon, with a rosette set to acknowledge his identification on the Walls of the Missing in Punchbowl.