Eighteen-Year-Old Sailor Killed at Pearl Harbor Buried at ANC
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- Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
- U.S. Navy Seaman Second Class Challis James celebrated his eighteenth birthday three weeks before his death at Pearl Harbor, on Dec. 7, 1941. He was serving aboard the battleship USS Oklahoma when several Japanese torpedoes slammed into its hull, forcing it to capsize. The ship became his grave.
Since James’ remains were later recovered but not identified, he was initially buried as an unknown at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii. In 2015, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) disinterred the remains of James and other USS Oklahoma crewmen. DPAA identified James’ remains on Jan. 29, 2016.
Three of James’ nephews and their families came to Arlington National Cemetery on June 28, 2024, to bury the uncle they never knew. Navy Chaplain (Lt. Cmdr.) Doyl McMurray told the attendants, “Today we can only honor the kind of man that he was, and his family’s sacrifice of all of the potential that he had.” The chaplain then spoke about James’ obligation to the Navy. “With war on the horizon, he served anyway,” said McMurray. “In this, and in many ways, he demonstrated the Navy’s corps values of honor, courage, and commitment.”
James was the namesake of his nephew, Challis Elliott, who said after the funeral that his mother rarely spoke about her brother. “She just said that he was smart and artistic,” Elliott recalled. “All we have is a picture of his ship, and he wrote, ‘this is the boat I’m going to be on.’”
Elliott and his brothers, Wynn and Ty, considered reburying their uncle at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific but decided on Arlington National Cemetery. “We thought it was a great honor to be buried here,” Challis Elliott said.
U.S. Army story by Kevin Hymel
U.S. Army video by Daryl Vaca
He probably never had a chance to love, to own a car, to see the sights of this earth, to never marry or have children. He was just a kid, a patriot. Rest in peace young man
My thoughts exactly. Truely the greatest generation. My father was a Marine in WWII as were his two brothers. Fortunately, all survived but I never knew of my father's experiences until he passed. This young man, as you said, never got to do all the things I took for granted at his age. I read a book about the sinking and rescue of those sailors on the Olklahoma. Incredible bravery. R.I.P. Seaman James.
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord [a]lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.” ’
And just joined out of High School
Amen
Cringe take
My father was a Pearl Harbor survivor. When I was born he named me Kenneth, after his best friend S2c Kenneth Floyd Geer who died on the USS Arizona and is still entombed there. In 1940, Ken and my dad enlisted in the Navy together at just age 17, and Ken died a year later during the attack on Pearl Harbor. If the attack would have happened just an hour later my dad would have been on the Arizona to join Ken for breakfast. I’m 64 now, and as a 30-year Army officer I always tried to live my life as honorably as my namesake did, and maybe live a full life that he never had a chance of having. I’ve raised a family Ken never could, and both my son and daughter are West Point grads and now Army officers, serving their country as well. I think Ken would be proud of that legacy. RIP, Ken
😔 my Dad was a WW2 soldier who best friend was killed in plane crash in WW2. Named after him
Thank you for your father's service and your own, and thank you for sharing your story.
Your father honored his missing friend with a son he never had. Seems like your did them both proud. respect - Edinburh, Scotland.
Wonderful legacy sir. Thank you for your service and honoring two American heroes.
You have truly honored your father and his best friend. 🇺🇸
It's never too late to honor a fallen soldier.
Thank you for your sacrifice , Challis.
🙏🙏🫡
just_another_brick_in_the_wall He was not a soldier, he is a U.S. Navy Sailor
@@johninalaska9563I’m always amazed at the pallbearers and how they take what they are doing so solemn and beautiful
SAILOR. US NAVY. Pearl Harbor was a naval battle, and the Navy and Marines lost over 2000. I was blessed to have grown up a Navy brat in Pearl Harbor, having the privilege of knowing the history of the Silent Service and Navy. I now live on the mainland and every day encounter people who only acknowledge soldiers and ignore the folded flags, vets, and wounded from the other branches.... Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force....
This video made this 20-year Army veteran both cry and at the same time to be proud to be an American. It is essential a nation honor its war dead regardless of the time since their passing. The U.S. does this right. Our fallen heroes must forever be honored and never forgotten.
Of course you should be proud. You're an American goddamnit.
Love it, Forever honor them and Never, Never, EVER Forget them and their Great Service to our Beloved Country!❤️🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸🫡We ALL gave our best, and
SOME GAVE ALL‼️🥲🫡
You’re exactly right. The US will move heaven and earth to bring our fallen service members home to render the honors they and their family deserve.
This covers everything from identifying remains from WW2 *and beyond* as well as reviewing old records to posthumously award medals that should have previously been awarded but weren’t due to whatever reason.
Not always when we have people like hiden checking his watch
Thank you for your twenty years of service, which, I'm certain, continues in your retirement! This video brought tears to my eyes also. God Bless the United States of America and God Bless all those who serve our country. Andy McKane, 4 July 2024, Maunaloa, Molokai, Hawaii.
The woman in black with the straw hat is an "Arlington Lady."(There is an "Arrington Gentleman" also). They are a volunteer group that started when it was noticed that some were buried without friends or family attending the service. They are there to make sure there's at least someone there to mourn. It's now tradition to attend every funeral at Arrington.
Thank all of you "Arlington Ladies" and all of you "Arlington Men." God Bless the United States of America. Andy McKane, former HN, U.S. Navy. 4 July 2024.
Professional mourners were a feature of funerals in years past.
I’m grateful to the Lady & Gentleman for this touching recognition- no one dies alone.
😢❤
Wow! That's touching! What a splendid gesture.
ANC always gets it right. Thank you for honoring this Sailor and all the other servicemembers memorialized on your hallowed grounds. When I have the honor of being inurned there with my late husband, I know that I will be resting with heroes and cared for by angels.
Thank you, Mariam, for your service as the spouse of a former service member. And thank you for the compassion you reflect for all those who service. God Bless the United States of America! Andy McKane, former E-3 hospital corpsman, United States Navy, 4 July 2024, Maunaloa, Hawaii.
Your tour of duty has long since been over sailor. You are no longer lost to your family.Rest in peace 🙏🏻
This comment made me cry 😢❤
That is a beautiful comment
From a British Army Veteran of 12 years.. R.I.P young Sailor.. 🇺🇸🏴
God bless you and your country! ❤️🙏🏻
R.I.P To a Sailor that was killed in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Although we will never forget, him he'll be missed by us.
@@TTKDMSwhy the hate speech?
@@TTKDMSwallow in your hatred take comfort that men like you and trump are being completely REJECTED by society 😎😎...REJECTED !!!!!
@@JimJam8008
He's a possible agent provocateur.
@@TTKDMS who?
WOW! Just came across this by accident. Huge respect to Sailor Challis and thank you for your service. Cannot fault the US for their dedication to their fallen. Regards from the UK. Bob
Sadly they had a Commander in Chief who labelled young men like this young sailor a loser and a tosser
As a USAF Veteran, I am eligible to be buried in ANC, but I will be laid to rest in the local Cemetery next to my Wife who passed in 2017 after 47 yeas of marriage,
RIP U.S. Navy Seaman Second Class Challis James.
I'm a U.S.Navy veteran. I am eligible to be buried at Punchbowl Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii. My Great Uncle Henry is M.I.A. I know he is buried in an unmarked grave.
My condolences.
Im a 73 yr old woman on the other side of the world watching this heart breaking video while crying . God rest this forever young man, my he be flying high with the angels🙏🙏🙏
From a special forces vietnam 1967-1970 veteran who is 75years old and has enjoyed a good life . Thank you young man for making that possible
Thankyou sir,for your service.
18 is too young to die. Condolences to the family. Nice to be recognized and laid to rest in Arlington.
Certainly too young to die especially given it was the attack that brought the US into 2nd world war.
My Dad enlisted after high school and served in the Navy for 4 years during WW2. Rest in peace, sir to you and all who served.🙏🏻🌹
Fm a Medical Discharge Navy Vet. My 1st Duty was a Destroyer Home Port in Pearl Harbor in 1961. I remember every Navy Ship Entering or Departing Pearl Harbor would ALWAYS Render Honors to our Fallen as we Passed the USS Arizona Memorial. Many Brave Sailors are still intered there. GOD Bless The USA. ❤
The ARIZONA STILL CRIES FOR HER MEN
They still do my dad was stationed at Pearl Harbor on the Hassayampa from 1972 to 1976
Never knew the man, but this vet also shed a tear for him...
And not only this vet. The honoring of a fallen soldier, even years later, in such a meticulous carried out ceremony gets to the soul. Respect in Peace ...
It's hard to find the right words. For the family, I'm glad that he was identified. Last year we buried my uncle at Arlington...it's indescribable. RIP
From a Army Ranger to a Sailor. RIP 🇺🇸
To think of all the years that have passed for me since I was 18. I am 64 last month. I was at Pearl Harbor myself when I was 18, but we were at guarded peace with the world, and the only concern I had was getting back to the ship after liberty.
To think of all that I would have missed, all the love I've known, and all the challenges I've faced. But for this young man it all ended at that young age. And none of those joys I've felt (and often taken for granted) were to be his future.
But we who survive him, can thank him for answering the call of his country, and giving us an example of love of country.
The way America honors his heroes is something to be found nowhere else in the world.
The sadest thing I think is lessons are still not learned too many young men and woman are still dying because of wars round the world
Yeah, and treats their veterans like 💩
@@drdonothingmuch5890 You are wrong, Veterans today are being treated better than anywhere in the world.
Blame trump, just saying.
@@jr548A true neanderthal take, congrats 👏🏼
Seaman James- Thank you for your service. Rest in Peace, Sailor!
Thank you Seaman Second Class Challis James. May you rest in peace. I wish you fair winds and following seas.
I too was moved to tears by this video. I am a 24-year Air Force veteran and this solemn ceremony, carried out as only the ANC can, has helped renew my faith in our great country and has made me proud to be an American. RIP Seaman Second Class Challis James, gone but never forgotten.
A veteran from the town next to mine was identified and reinterred. A WWII veteran. Charles Brown. RIP.
A distant cousin of mine Wilburn Ashby died at Pearl Harbor and was not interned at ANC but his hometown of Centertown KY nearly 80!years later. One of the reasons why this country is so great we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for country and duty
I know no other countries that give so much respect to our fallen service members. RIP Shipmate ⚓ 🇺🇲 🙏 . . from a U.S. Army Vet 19K. Ft. Hood, Tx.
The UK does.
Stupid comment
Glad to see him properly honored and laid to rest. This man could have been my own Father. My Father, a rural Pa farm boy, quit high school at 17, just after Pearl Harbor. All the 17 and 18 year olds did. Dad joined the Navy and saw service in North africa, sicily, italy, china, the Pacific and japan itself. He lived until almost 90. married, five children, good life.
A good and honorable life indeed. May your father's memory be honored, and his story passed down through the generations.
Thank you for your family's service! Andy McKane, Maunaloa, HI
This was a huge honor for our family. We are so proud and I am proud my uncles and dad was able to be there. My uncle is who the flag was presented to. He is my dad's brother my grandma's oldest child named after our fallen soldier.
Sorry about your father ❤
Awwww you have a wonderful dad and I thank your family and him for his service 😢
@@bridgettelliott3220God: bless your family
The funeral is quite touching. We need to thank the people who work behind the scenes to identify our heroes’ remains so that their families can say goodbye.
Fair winds and following Seas
RIP ship mate from a Royal Canadian Navy veteran.
my dad served as a Navy Seabee from 1950-1953, korean war overseas,born 1930-2017...RIP SECOND CLASS CHALLIS JAMES...FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS.
Seabees CAN DO!We build, we fight. My dad was a seabees too. MCB 5&3
@@ccbarr58our answer is always yes we can! Can do!
I visited the national cemetery of the Pacific back in 2017. Me and my family went to Hawaii to celebrate my high school graduation. Got to see my late grandfathers ship the Missouri. We went to the punch bowl hours before we went home. They just mowed the grass, and it was covering a headstone, so i pushed the grass clippings aside and just stared a good while. It read unknown solider dec 7 1941. I will never forget that moment.
Sobering.
Currently stationed in Hawaii and one day i went to Ford Island to do some pool inspections and from a vantage point under a banyan tree had the opportunity to view the USS Arizona memorial on a solemn sunny and breezy morning. It hurt to read the inscription on that headstone and realize the futures of America that sacrificed their lives to be interred in history. HEROS FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!
From a grateful citizen, thank you. RIP .
I was in the navy from '82-'88. Laid to rest a few of my shipmates, including one this past Friday, June 28th. Attending these services never gets any easier and I pray that it never does.
RIP, shipmate. May you always have fair winds and following seas.
If you think you're an "old goat" now, Mr. 82-88, wait until you're seventy-six! What we've got in common is our beloved Navy. I served from 24 August 1970 to 10 November 1971. My dad served as a Navy doctor during WWII and during my most formative years. God Bless the United States of America on this Independence Day! Andy McKane, Maunaloa, Hawaii.
@andymckane7271 Roger that! I bleed Navy blue and gold. I appreciated all my mentors, especially from the Nam era. You took care of this green kid when he didn't know his head from a hole in the deck.
May God always bless these United States of America.
Aloha, Manny A, Fredericksburg VA.
@@oldgoat142 Aloha and Mahalo, my Navy friend. We have the finest Navy in the world, as I'm certain you will agree. It's the Navy professionals---over two hundred years worth of them---who make our Navy all that it is. Semper Fidelis and Anchors' Aweigh. Andy McKane, Maunaloa, HI.
@@andymckane7271 Yes we do. Period. It was the professionals who taught me and led me. As I have often said; my parents started raising me, those men finished it. I will always be grateful to them for doing so.
I appreciate the aloha and Mahalo, shipmate.
@@oldgoat142 Thank you. The Navy (and our other armed services) have done a superb job of building my favorite folks among all the American people.. Thank you for your kind words. Andy a.k.a. "Pearl Harbor McKane."
THANK YOU FOR PUTTING YOUR LIFE ON THE LINE SO WE CAN BE FREE REST IN PEACE 🙏.
You said it very, very well. Semper Fidelis from this former hospital corpsman, United States Navy. Andy McKane, 4 July 2024, Maunaloa, Hawaii.
May Seaman Second Class Challis James rest in honored glory and in peace. His sacrifice and name should never be forgotten.
I attended a funeral for a Vietnam POW at ANC several years ago. They do get it right. It was a very memorable and moving experience.
Each one brings tears to my heart
This video should be shown to every school child in the country so they understand the sacrifice made for their freedom. Eternal memory Challis James.
Absolutely. 😢
It is reassuring to see that service men and women are not forgotten, the efforts made to identify them and give them the proper respect that they deserve is inspiring.
As Vietnam Vet, and served 27 years in the Navy, every time I see this type of event, I still get teary eyed. FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS shipmate.
My uncle was also aboard Raleigh that morning and his cousin on West Virginia. Both managed to survive the war and return home as this young man did not. My relatives did not speak of their experiences it was too much for them to overcome. It is still a traumatic experience to visit the Arizona Memorial and see all the names etched there, then proceed to the Oklahoma Memorial near the Missouri and see all that were lost on that ship for three years before they could be recovered, and many,many years before they were identified and like this young man returned to their families. There is one more memorial in Pearl Harbor difficult to access, The USS Utah on the other side of Ford Island from Arizona has 54 men entombed. It was the first ship sunk in the attack and capsized, the hulk remaining in the water, just like Arizona. My uncle’s ship the Raleigh, was just forward of Utah and he was one of many from the Raleigh that worked to recover, unsuccessfully, the remains from Utah, until Christmas. Proud of my Navy (submariner stationed at Pearl Harbor) who continues to identify the remains of those they can recover and return them to the families.
It’s a travesty that the USS West Virginia was sent to the breakers after WW2. Should’ve been saved as a museum ship. For if no other posterity than being the face and flagship of the zombie fleet that rose from the grave at Pearl Harbor and sought its revenge, and as someone who grew up in West Virginia, it would’ve been nice having a museum ship bearing the name. Even though it would’ve had to spend its life in another state.
I can’t imagine what your uncles and cousins went through that day. I hope they found peace with it
My father served in the navy and my father in law in the airforce. I am proud to have both of their flags displayed in a case in my home.
Going Home, Going Home ! It's not far, just behind the door ! We cant give him his life back but we must remember him.
This makes me proud to be a Navy Veteran. God bless our young hero and his family.
Sleep well young shipmate, save spots in the galley for those of us who followed you.
Going Home - a beautiful hymn. His family who knew him have gone before and know what happened, now his younger relatives who never knew him at least have his mortal remains back. R.I.P. Seaman.
RIP to this young man. Wonderful ceremony.
No Longer Lost, RIP
77 yr old VN vet crying. RIP see ya shipmate.
RIP Shipmate.
May his bravery be remembered & soul rest in eternal peace. 🇺🇸⚓️🇺🇸⚓️🇺🇸
Ok, now im crying ... 73 year old Navy Veteran.
It makes me think of my dad who was a 20 yr old aboard the Raleigh that morning...and of all those men still and forever aboard the Arizona.
I've attended many military funerals and they always bring tears to my eyes. Like right now.
From one Sailor to another, Fair winds and following seas. R.I.P..
Taps always makes me weep. RIP, sailor, home from the sea.
The love, care and dedication of everyone involved from identifying, disinterring to reburial of the remains speaks of who this country really is. This is what we celebrate. This is how we honor. Our service men and women are not “suckers and losers,” they are Patriots who gave their lives so that we could live in freedom.
Suckers and losers was actually made up by the Democratic Party. It was a lie that a “rat” made up behind the seems. Donald J. Trump has great respect for our military. Joseph R. Biden was the one that said during the debate that no soldier has died during his service of being POTUS. And there has been service men and women who have died for our freedom during Joe Biden’s presidential term. So my heart goes out to, not only the family’s who have recently lost a service member and a member of the family, but to all the men and women out there who served so I could be here writing this message. And doing all the things I can do in this country, the simple things like driving a car.
I have replied to this comment two times and I cannot look at my reply anymore. I was just wondering if anyone reported it! God bless🇺🇸😀
My uncle (age 17)was on board the Oklahoma during the attack. It makes me wonder if he knew Challis. RIP sailor.
He's finally getting the respect and dignity he deserves. God bless you and thank you for your service!🥲
Thank you for your service son, rest in peace. Seaman Second Class Challis, You stand relieved, We have the watch!!
Fair winds and following seas, shipmate.
Welcome home
My grandfather was a Sergeant Major in the US Army, he and my grandmother are buried at ANC.
Imagine a young man who's about to start his life dedicate his life to helping his friends and brothers. Glad that he's been found, reunited with his family, and buried with honors that such a hero can get
It's really something that this young man is no longer lost and unknown. Be at peace now and thank you for your service, Seaman.
Born 100 years ago, sacrificed in 1941 at the age of 18...my gratitude and thankfulness to you knows no bounds.
I am crying right now. I have been to Pearl Harbor and I'll never forget what that was like. 🇺🇸🙏
My father was a 27 year Navy vet and retired for 43 years. Dad died in 2017 and we buried him ANC in 2018. My cousin died in Afganistan in 2020. We can see my cousin's grave from my Dad's. May all who rest in ANC rest in Peace and thank you for your service.
The price of war is high, and globally so many are not laid to rest with honors. For all who die serving their country, may they rest in peace and may their loved ones find peace and comfort.
May God Bless your soul
Young Man
67 and always grateful to
The Greatest Generation
For allowing me to live free
This certainly made this crusty old 20-year veteran sarge shed a few tears. Proud to be an American. Peace be with all of my brothers and sisters in arms.
Such a moving story. So great full to the advancement of science to be able to return loved ones to family. Thank you for your service and rest easy. As an American, I AM truly thankful and proud.
My grandfather was a veitnam vet from the air force. When he passed the vfw guys came and gave him his 21 gun salute. Idk why but it's a special tribute families really appreciate
How can something so sad be so beautiful?
I wished my father had been buried there but he wanted to be in the family plot. He was USN from 1936-1949 then he became DOD employee to the day he died. This made me cry.
Thank you so much for your service to this nation 😔
May his memory be a blessing for all who loved him
This is my great uncle. So glad this happened for my family and my dad and his brother's were there to represent my grandma's fallen brother. I'm glad we have this memory.
The flag was presented to my uncle who is named after Challis. He is the oldest child of my grandma's my dad's older brother.
As an German its incredible for me how much respect the Americans have for their fallen soldiers.
A well deserved honor for a young sailor who had yet to fully experience life but old enough to have experienced being a US Navy sailor and passed in the service to his country. No greater Honor. Rest in Peace young Sailor.
RIP dear sailor. My mother in law turned 18 December 7, 1941. She was able to live until age 93. She married, had 4 boys, 10 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and now there is a great great grandchild. I am so saddened this sailor did not have the chance to do or have any of this. Two 18 year olds with two different destinies. May we all live our lives with gratitude knowing our stories could be different.
Wow, this brought so many tears to my eyes. I was deeply touched by this whole service and the family who honored him in such a dignifying way, even though they never knew Charliss. He was just a kid yet himself. I hope he at least knew that he was a courageous warrior and a hero. May he and all his fellow servicemen who lost their lives that day and throughout the war rest in peace. We celebration our nation’s independence tomorrow and can only be doing so because of brave warriors who fought for our beloved country. Thank you to each and every one of those who served and continue to serve in our military.❤🤍💙
RIP Sir may you have peace now.
Thank you all that have serviced !!!
Rest easy shipmate from a fellow sailor.
Only 18 you are a true hero. Rest in Peace 🇺🇸❤️
I love how the band played Largo from New World Symphony at the end. One of the most beautiful pieces ever written.
It's odd. I never felt the full weight of Navy service that my Mom and Dad carried until my own son enlisted. I don't think I had a restful night of sleep until he returned safely home after his tour. My Dad, then I, and then my son, along with, I'm sure, Challis, thought we were invincible at 18. We were all just kids then. Bless you Challis, and thank you for answering the call.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Welcome hone Sir. Rest easy
My great grandfather was a Pearl Harbor survivor, he passed away two years ago at the age of 95 rip and Old, poor bastard probably never knew what hit him when he died, I can only hope that he is happy now that he has been identified
Thank you for your service shipmate. Rest in peace. We salute you.
Have visited Pearl Harbour ,to acknowledge the service and sacrifice these young men made ,words will never fully express the gratitude later generations have .This is what makes America a great nation .🇦🇺
Thank you for your service.
Thankyou young man for your sacrifice for our country and freedoms
Very moving. Thank you for your service sir. RIP.
My father and uncle joined the Navy together in 1937. In 1941, after a reenlistment, Dad was on a ship stationed at Pearl Harbor. The ship he was on happened to be in maintenance in San Francisco or he might have been there during the attack on December 7th. Dad stayed Navy for 20 years until 1957. A chief machinist mate.
Dad was on sea duty aboard destroyers for the first 18 years. Finally went ashore for his last 2 years. He passed in 1984.
This young man, Challis never had a chance to live an adult life. He passed with great honor. RIP
That was an amazing send off and got me teary eyed. I'm so proud to be an American. Greetings from Arizona.
Yes.
Thank you for your sacrifice. I hope you can rest in peace hero
This sailor now is resting easy and is at peace. Thank you for your service and I was not born at that time, nor a glint in my parents eyes. Bust just the same I pray for this young man and his family. Blessings.
TAPS always get me. RIP and thank you for your service. 🇺🇸
28 years as flight deck sailor, I saw a lot. Fair Winds and Following Seas, Shipmate. “ If I have seen further it is because I’ve stood on Ye shoulders of Giants.”