After 77 years, a Mississippi sailor is finally returned home for a proper burial.
Navy Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Durell Wade of Calhoun County was buried Friday, December 7, 2018, in the North Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Kilmichael. A memorial service was held at Pryor Funeral Home in Calhoun City, and several hundred guests made the 45-mile procession south to Kilmichael for interment.
Wade was killed on December 7, 1941, while serving on the USS Oklahoma, which was docked at Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. Wade was one of 429 crewmen killed during the attack.
According to Mississippi Veterans Affairs, Wade’s remains were identified through DNA testing and were finally returned to Mississippi for burial.
Friday marked the 77th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Wade was born in 1917 in the Hardin Town community of rural Calhoun County. He enlisted in the Navy in 1936 and in 1940 re-enlisted for another two-year tour.
It was one of Wade’s relatives who provided DNA to help identify him.
According to the Associated Press, Wade's siblings included four older sisters and one older brother, according to a bio prepared by his nephew.
Wade’s nephew, Dr. Larry Wade, 75, of Baton Rouge, La., spoke to the large crowd about his uncle.
“I was born 11 years to the day of the Pearl Harbor attack,” Larry Wade said, recalling sharing his birthday with the uncle he had never met. “He always stole my thunder, but today, Durell, you can have my thunder.”
Larry Wade said it was because of soldiers like his uncle and others in the “Greatest Generation,” that secured our freedoms.
“Because of them, we can gather here today,” he said. “Because of their sacrifices.”
Larry Wade said he celebrated because his uncle was finally home.
Governor Phil Bryant recalled growing up the son of a World War II Navy veteran.
“[My father] always said his first pair of new shoes were bought for him by the Navy,” Bryant said.
Bryant said in the 77 years since the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7 eventually became “any other day” to some.
“But not to the ‘Greatest Generation,’ not to Durell Wade,” Bryant said. “That day he walked on the streets of glory.”
Commander Brian S. Horstman, commanding officer of the Naval Air Station in Meridian, said he was proud a shipmate received a proper burial.
“We have the watch, [Aviation Machinist’s Mate] Wade,” Horstman said.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
