WWII Soldier Returned Home to Maryland After 80 Years
The remains of Pfc. Owen Norris were identified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency earlier this year.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Military
Pfc. Owen Norris, a Maryland native who died during the 1944 West Loch Disaster at Pearl Harbor, has returned home. His remains were identified by military officials this past July following an 80-year search.
Why it matters
The identification and return of Pfc. Norris allows for a final resting place after decades of uncertainty following the tragic explosions that claimed his life. His burial provides closure for his family and the community, honoring his service in the 29th Chemical Decontamination Company.
Pfc. Owen Norris was 26 years old when he died in the 1944 disaster, an event that destroyed six LSTs at Pearl Harbor. His remains were officially identified on July 7, 2026, marking the end of an eight-decade search.
The players
Pfc. Owen Norris
He was a 26-year-old soldier in the 29th Chemical Decontamination Company who died during World War II.
Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency
This government organization is responsible for the recovery and identification of missing American service members from past conflicts.
The details
Pfc. Norris served with the 29th Chemical Decontamination Company until his death at Pearl Harbor. His remains arrived at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport on September 22, 2026, ahead of scheduled services at the West Liberty United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Timeline
May 21, 1944: Pfc. Owen Norris died in the West Loch Disaster.
July 7, 2026: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency identified the remains.
September 22, 2026: The remains arrived at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport.
September 26-27, 2026: Burial is scheduled at West Liberty United Methodist Church.
Political Context
The identification follows ongoing efforts to account for service members lost during the West Loch Disaster at Pearl Harbor. While these recoveries provide closure, some advocacy groups continue to call for increased federal funding to expedite the identification of remaining unknown soldiers.
The arrival and burial of Pfc. Norris serve as a solemn reminder of the lingering impacts of World War II on local families and communities. Residents in Marriottsville may notice increased activity near the church cemetery during the planned weekend services.
The takeaway
The return of Pfc. Norris highlights the enduring commitment of military agencies to identify those lost in conflict regardless of how much time has passed. His burial allows his Maryland community to formally recognize his sacrifice eight decades later.
What happens next
A formal burial for Pfc. Owen Norris is scheduled to take place at the West Liberty United Methodist Church Cemetery during the weekend of September 26-27, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about ongoing efforts to honor service members in the Military section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBFF.
