Pearl Harbor Sailor and New Orleans native Clarence Thompson will be buried in Slidell Friday morning, more than 80 years after the December 7th attack on the USS Oklahoma. His cousin Denise Bennett said they are extremely grateful for the lengths the military went to in identifying his remains.
“And putting a closure on this because he was one of the last that was able to be identified and matched with his family,” said Bennett.
Thompson served as a cook on the ship, earned a Purple Heart and his return home is part of the Navy’s Project Oklahoma which has identified the remains of 355 sailors since 2015 through DNA. Bennett said it’s an honor to welcome such a distinguished family member to his final resting place.
“I know it’s going to be very dignified, respectful, and wow, 82 years and coming,” said Bennett.
As part of the Navy’s Project Oklahoma, the burial is paid for by the Navy and Thompson’s family chose to have him buried at the Louisiana Veteran’s Cemetery. Bennett said it’s just another example of how the military leaves no man behind.
“It shows the concern, the sympathy, the understanding that’s held to families,” said Bennett.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. and is open to the public.
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