DPAA Releases

USS Oklahoma Sailor Accounted For From World War II (Blanchard, W.)

Release No: 21-014 Feb. 9, 2021 PRINT | E-MAIL
WASHINGTON — The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Navy Boilermaker 1st Class William E. Blanchard, 24, killed during World War II, was accounted for on Jan. 4, 2021.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Blanchard was assigned to the battleship 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 Blanchard.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Blanchard’s personnel profile can be viewed at https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000XeKMEA0.
News & Stories

USS Oklahoma Sailor Accounted For From World War II (Blanchard, W.)

Release No: 21-014 Feb. 9, 2021 PRINT | E-MAIL
WASHINGTON — The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Navy Boilermaker 1st Class William E. Blanchard, 24, killed during World War II, was accounted for on Jan. 4, 2021.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Blanchard was assigned to the battleship 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 Blanchard.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

Blanchard’s personnel profile can be viewed at https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000XeKMEA0.

Public Affairs Contact Information


Public Affairs Office
Washington, D.C.
2300 Defense Pentagon
Attn: External Affairs
Washington, D.C. 20301-2300
Phone: (703) 699-1420