Community Corner

Remembering The Rhode Islanders Killed In Pearl Harbor Attacks

Dec. 7, 2021 marks the 80th anniversary of the attacks that claimed thousands of lives and launched the United States into World War II.

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Seven Rhode Islanders were killed in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.
Seven Rhode Islanders were killed in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. (Rachel Nunes/Patch)

PROVIDENCE, RI — Wednesday marks eight decades since the Japanese launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, "the day which will live in infamy" that launched the United States into the Second World War.

In total, 2,403 people were killed during the attack. Several were from Rhode Island, named here to honor their memory.

In this Dec. 7, 1941, file photo, part of the hull of the capsized USS Oklahoma is seen at right as the battleship USS West Virginia, center, begins to sink after suffering heavy damage, while the USS Maryland, left, is still afloat in Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii. (U.S. Navy via AP, File)

Two Rhode Island men were onboard the U.S.S. Arizona when it was attacked, according to the National Parks Service.

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  • George Ernest Perkins, F1c
  • Alvaro Everett Vieira, S2c

No Rhode Islanders were listed as identified casualties of the U.S.S. Oklahoma.

Several other Rhode Islanders died in the Pearl Harbor attacks. The following names can be found on HonorStates.org.

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  • U.S.S. Curtis: Wilson Albert Rice, U.S. Navy Seaman First Class
  • U.S.S. Nevada: Herbert Charles Schwarting, U.S. Navy Seaman First Class
  • U.S.S. West Virginia: James Alfred Paolucci, U.S. Navy Seaman Second Class

U.S. Army

  • William M. Northway, Air Corps Private
  • John Daniel Buckley, Petty Officer Third Class
  • Corporal Arthur A. Favreau, 64th Coast Artillery

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