[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 74 (Thursday, April 29, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2348-S2349]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO SCOTT MAGERS

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, one family in Southcentral Kentucky 
has waited more than 70 years to give their hero a proper tribute. Last 
year, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, DPAA, identified the 
remains of Navy Seaman 2nd Class Howard ``Scott'' Magers from Barren 
County. Over Memorial Day weekend, a grateful nation will honor this 
Kentuckian's sacrifice as he finally comes home. I would like to take a 
moment today to add my personal gratitude for Scott's service and his 
family's sacrifice.
  Those who knew Scott remembered a soft-spoken young man with a kind 
heart and a winning smile. In January 1941, he enlisted in the Navy at 
the age of 17. Like millions of other men and women of the ``greatest 
generation,'' Scott put his own ambitions on pause to defend the 
country he loved. After completing his training and making one trip 
home to Kentucky before his 18th birthday, Scott was stationed aboard 
the USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
  On that Sunday morning, the Japanese forces rained bombs down on 
unsuspecting American sailors. Torpedoes pummeled the Oklahoma, tearing 
open her hull and igniting an inferno inside. Within minutes, the 
massive ship capsized, and more than 400 of its crew plunged into the 
water below.

[[Page S2349]]

  In the chaos, more than 2,400 American servicemembers lost their 
lives. The tragic events of that morning elicited a forceful response 
as the United States entered the Second World War. Over the next 4 
years, heroes were forged on the battlefield and at home as our country 
defeated the forces of tyranny in defense of the American way of life.
  Like thousands of families, the Magers could only wonder and pray 
over Scott's fate. Although he would never make it home, he had sent a 
telegraph before the bombing to his loved ones in Kentucky. In a 
message delivered on Christmas Eve, Scott shared his love and his 
holiday cheer. His loved ones held tight to this last compassionate 
connection to Scott that reflected his best qualities.
  In the following years, the Navy attempted to identify the remains of 
those killed on the Oklahoma. Unfortunately, the vast majority couldn't 
be accounted for and were buried together in 46 plots at the National 
Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as the Punchbowl.
  In 2015, the DPAA exhumed the USS Oklahoma Unknowns. Using DNA as 
dental, and other identifying records, they were finally able to 
identify Scott's remains and give his family the opportunity for proper 
burial in Kentucky.
  Over 1,300 Kentucky servicemembers remain unaccounted for by the 
DPAA. We have never forgotten these patriots, and we will continue 
searching to bring them home. I am grateful for the ongoing efforts of 
the DPAA to bring closure to more families like this one.
  On behalf of my Senate colleagues, I would like to send our sincere 
condolences to Scott's family and express our thanks for his brave 
service to our Nation. We are proud this Kentucky hero will receive the 
honor he earned.

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