Phoenix Sailor Brought Home Almost 80 Years After Dying At Pearl Harbor

A Phoenix sailor that was killed in the attacks on Pearl Harbor has been brought back to the Valley where he will be laid to rest next to his family.

Navy Seaman 1st Class Carl S. Johnson was surrounded by his family, that has now grown a couple of generations, upon returning to Arizona.

Johnson joined the Navy at just 16 years old and died two years later at the age of 18, reported 12 News.

Johnson's nephew and namesake Dr. Carl Dahl explained his emotional return. "He came down and it was unloaded with flags draping his casket and the Honor Guard came and were able to pick him up and take hum directly into the hearse. It was a very moving moment to see him return to his home almost 80 years later," he said.

Johnson's great niece Katie Judy stated, "We’ve heard stories all growing up that he had died at Pearl Harbor on the West Virginia, and today it was just that moment of he’s home."

Though all of Johnson's parents and siblings have passed, their story of his service lives on through his loving extended family.

Photo: Getty Images

Source: 12 News