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Navy Honors Pearl Harbor Survivor
Story Number: NNS090215-03
Release Date: 2/15/2009 7:09:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist Third Class (AW) Eric J. Cutright
FORD ISLAND (NNS) -- A Pearl Harbor survivor was honored Thursday by Sailors and family during a burial at sea at USS Utah Memorial at Naval Station Pearl Harbor.
The ashes of Alphonse Eckel were scattered onto the harbor along the memorial in accordance with his wishes.
Former Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Alphonse Eckel enlisted in the Navy in December of 1940 and was aboard Farragut-class destroyer USS Aylwin (DD-355) during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
"He was a very proud Sailor, and proud of what he did for his country back during World War II," said Alphonse's nephew Jim Eckel.
Alphonse Eckel served two tours in the Navy, serving on active duty six years from 1940 to 1946 when he joined the Navy Reserves, and then again on active duty from 1951 to 1953 during the Korean War.
"He was a warrior during the war," said Dennis Eckel, another of Alphonse's nephews. "He was never there. He was always out to sea. He spent 20 to 23 months out without really having set foot on land."
During his time in service, Alphonse took part in some of the Navy's most historical engagements, having fought in the Battle of the Coral Sea, Battle of Midway, Battle of Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, and the Mariana Islands.
"Wherever there was a scrape going on, he seemed to be stuck right in the middle of it," said Dennis Eckel.
After the Navy, Eckel worked for the U.S. Post Office for more than 30 years and then as a longshoreman. He was also an avid reader and enjoyed spending time at the horse track.
"He was a generous uncle. He loved the ponies. Every time he had a good day at the races, he'd tend to give out money to his nephews," said Jim Eckel.
Alphonse was 84-years-old when he passed away at his home in Long Beach, Calif. His burial at sea was attended by his daughter DeAnn Chernis; nephews Charles and Billy Hughes, and Jim and Dennis Eckel and extended family and friends.
Alphonse's military achievements include a Purple Heart, American Defense Medal, Asiatic/Pacific Medal with 19 stars, American Area Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal with two stars, and The Navy Good Conduct Medal.
"I can say that I am really proud of him." said Jim Eckel
For more news from Commander, Navy Region Hawaii, visit www.news.navy.mil/local/cnrh/.
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