Though lost twice to this world — once in combat and once in memory as an “unknown” sailor — Charles Ogle is lost no more.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Navy Fireman 1st Class Charles R. Ogle, (born in Goodsberry Township, Missouri in 1920) was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Ogle. Their unidentified remains were buried as “unknown”s in 46 plots at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu. Until 2017, Ogle was one of those who was unidentified.

Charles R. Ogle portrait

Charles R. Ogle portrait

Ogle was re-interred in Jefferson Barrack National Cemetery on February 12, 2018.  The ceremony emphasized the story and sacrifice of Ogle along with the ongoing partnership between VA’s National Cemetery Administration  and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to identify all USS Oklahoma casualties interred at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific and  bring them home and provide closure for their families.

 

Charles R. Ogle gravesite

Charles R. Ogle gravesite at Jefferson Barracks national Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.

Video produced by VA’s Employee Education System.

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19 Comments

  1. Thomas L. Brock June 1, 2018 at 20:09

    Why is Seaman Yogle’s casket not flag draped?
    I don’t understand.

  2. Michael Dowse May 28, 2018 at 11:18

    Today’s generations need to hear these stories! God bless this hero and his family.

  3. cordell lindsey jr May 27, 2018 at 11:30

    Welcome home sailor and GOD bless you for your sacrifice.

  4. David Boglioli May 27, 2018 at 03:38

    It makes Me Proud as a VET. To hear that those who lead the way have closer for there families.

  5. Barry Lowe May 26, 2018 at 09:51

    How did they identify him without DNA-the only way-might be a scam from liberals

  6. Abelardo Cortez May 26, 2018 at 03:08

    I am an OIF I and OIF III veteran and feel a strong connection to the United States Armed Forces, all veterans, their families.

    I think about all of the members of the armed forces who did not return home or died without their remains being identified. I wonder what their final moments included. I think about the profound sadness and range of emotions countless families and friends felt and continue to feel. Peace be with all of you.

    Welcome home Navy Fireman First Class Charles R. Ogle. Welcome home brother.

    Sergeant Cortez
    MED TRP, SPT SQDN, 3ACR

  7. Michael Anthony Hunt May 26, 2018 at 02:40

    Rest in peace at home fellow sailor.

  8. Harry L Axline May 25, 2018 at 17:00

    God bless “those that gave all” in defending this nation and it’s great people. Bless you and miss you dad!
    Harry Axline
    CWO, W4, USN Retired

  9. Alonza L Clark Sr USMC May 25, 2018 at 16:33

    Fair winds and following seas “shipmate”..

  10. William Jury May 25, 2018 at 16:10

    Thank you Matey

  11. David T Streck May 25, 2018 at 15:15

    Kudos to the Veteran’s Adminstration in their efforts to identify his remains and return them home. Your out of harm’s way now,brother

  12. Kenneth Chaney May 25, 2018 at 14:52

    Thank you Charles Ogle! God bless you and your family.

    • Mickey May 25, 2018 at 17:10

      May God Continue blessing the Ogle Family and friends.

      May thoughts and prayers is with all families that lost love ones and served doing War Time. I will forever continue to salute the solider that wore the uniform proudly as I.

      God Bless

  13. John H Montgomery Jr May 25, 2018 at 13:38

    Always good to get closure

  14. John H Montgomery Jr May 25, 2018 at 13:36

    Always good when you can get closure

  15. John J. Yurosko May 25, 2018 at 12:11

    Many thanks for this poignant story. Why not publish one of these every week or so? We could all use a good doe of patriotism right now, and I can think of no one better equipped to do this, other than the VA!

    JJY

  16. Earl taylor May 25, 2018 at 11:53

    Very touching story on olgle,thanks for this reminder of a veteran that was once forgotten,now is brought to be known to us all. Thank you, Earl Taylor.

  17. Jeff Terrozas May 25, 2018 at 09:51

    We could use a bit more information. How was he identified? Did family members with DNA come forward or were the sought out?

  18. Alan Atkinson May 25, 2018 at 09:51

    I am proud of all that was in all wars that made this country great
    May God bless all that lost there lives and the ones now make us all proud.

Comments are closed.

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