State Heroes

Radioman Second Class Walter Howard Backman

Wilton, ND

World War II (WWII)

Branch of Service: Navy

Company / Ship / Flight or equivalent: USS Oklahoma

Date of Loss: December 07, 1941 / Age: 22

Killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor. His body was recovered July 17, 2017.

Private Byron G. Elliott

World War II (WWII)

Branch of Service: Army

Regiment / Group / Brigade: 5th AAF Bomber Group

Date of Loss: December 07, 1941 / Age: 20

Killed in action during the Pearl Harbor attack in Hickham Field, Hawaii

Seaman First Class Kenneth E. Gebhardt

Balta, ND

World War II (WWII)

Branch of Service: Navy

Company / Ship / Flight or equivalent: USS Arizona

Date of Loss: December 07, 1941 / Age: 23

Died while in MIA status after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Remains not recovered.

Radioman Third Class Donald J. Kusie

Dickinson, ND

World War II (WWII)

Branch of Service: Navy

Company / Ship / Flight or equivalent: USS Arizona

Date of Loss: December 07, 1941 / Age: 20

Died while in MIA status after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Remains not recovered.