On December 7, 1941, the USS Oklahoma was struck by torpedoes, causing a catastrophic loss of life at Pearl Harbor. Chaos ensued. A 21-year-old fireman first class from Milford, Iowa, Everett Cecil Titterington, was one of the 429 sailors and Marines who lost their lives that day. The precise circumstances of his demise are still uncertain. Was he thrown from his bunk or trapped below deck as the battleship capsized within minutes of the attack?
Witnesses recounted the harrowing image of Oklahoma being lifted out of the water by the force of the explosions, only to settle and rollover. Almost two weeks later, Titterington's family received a telegram verifying their most horrifying concerns. Having been stationed in Oklahoma since March 1940, the young sailor had been laboring in close proximity to the ship's boilers and harboring aspirations of returning home.
His mother sent a heart-wrenching letter to the Navy in which she expressed her optimism that her son was still alive and sought answers about his fate. He ultimately lost his life in the service of his nation, as confirmed by the Navy. However, Titterington's remains were unaccounted for for decades until recent efforts to identify fallen soldiers resulted in their recovery.
As we contemplate Titterington's story, we are reminded of the many families left in a state of distress following that fateful day, in addition to his sacrifice.
His return to Riverside National Cemetery poignantly reminds us of the enduring impact of war and the significance of honoring those who served.
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