Neil D. Frye Death & Obituary: This April, the community of Spring Hill, North Carolina, will honor one of its own, U.S. Navy Mess Attendant 3rd Class Neil D. Frye, who made the ultimate sacrifice during the attack on Pearl Harbor. After more than 80 years, Frye’s remains will finally be laid to rest in his home state, bringing closure to a long and painful chapter for his family and the nation.
A Life Cut Short at Pearl Harbor
On December 7, 1941, at just 20 years old, Neil D. Frye was serving aboard the USS West Virginia when Japanese aircraft bombed Pearl Harbor. The attack, one of the most devastating surprise strikes in U.S. history, resulted in massive damage to the ship, which was docked at Ford Island. Despite heroic efforts from the crew to defend the vessel, the West Virginia suffered torpedo damage, and 106 sailors aboard, including Frye, lost their lives.
A Long Journey Home
For decades, Frye’s remains were classified as “unknowns” and buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu. However, thanks to the efforts of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), Frye’s remains were identified in September 2024 through mitochondrial DNA analysis, a breakthrough that allowed the Navy to finally bring him home.
Remembering a Fallen Hero
Born in Vass, North Carolina, Neil D. Frye was a young man with a bright future before answering his country’s call to service. His tragic death at Pearl Harbor has been a somber chapter in the history of WWII, but his memory will now be honored in his home state, where he will be laid to rest with full military honors.
This burial in Spring Hill, North Carolina, marks the end of a long journey for Frye’s family, who, like so many others, have waited for decades to bring their loved one home. His service and sacrifice will forever be remembered, and his story will remain a symbol of the bravery and dedication of the “Greatest Generation.”
A Community’s Tribute
As the community gathers to honor Neil D. Frye, they will not only remember a fallen sailor but also celebrate the legacy of his courage and dedication. His story will live on in the hearts of those who call Spring Hill home, and his name will continue to be etched in the annals of history, ensuring that the brave men and women who served during WWII are never forgotten.
Frye’s sacrifice serves as a powerful reminder of the indomitable spirit of those who gave everything for their country. His legacy, now brought full circle, will remain an inspiration for generations to come.
