05.13.19

Hoeven Statement Regarding Accounting for Two North Dakota Brothers Killed During WWII

DPAA Identified the Remains of Palmer Brothers Lost During Pearl Harbor Attack

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven released the following statement after the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced that it has accounted for two North Dakota brothers killed during World War II. The remains of Navy Seaman 2nd Class Calvin H. Palmer, 23, and Navy Seaman 2nd Class Wilferd D. Palmer, 21, brothers from Minot, were accounted for on March 19, 2019. The brothers were serving on the USS Oklahoma when it was attacked at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.  

“We are grateful that the Palmer brothers, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation at Pearl Harbor, have now been accounted for,” said Hoeven. “These brave brothers, who perished along with 427 others on the USS Oklahoma during the attacks on Pearl Harbor, remind us yet again of the bravery and sacrifices of our nation’s Greatest Generation.” 

Hoeven, who serves on the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, supported the creation of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) as part of the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act and helped secure FY2019 funding for the DPAA. The senator’s office works with individuals and families to provide a full account of service members from past conflicts and ensure information is communicated to families. 

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