More than 77 years after he was lost at sea, a memorial headstone was placed at Fort Gibson National Cemetery Wednesday, to honor Fireman 1st Class Joseph West of Tulsa.

West was aboard USS Drexler when it was attacked by a kamikaze March 28, 1945. The ship was headed to Okinawa when it was attacked at 7 A.M. Three minutes later, the Drexler was hit by another aircraft and sank in less than 50 seconds.

West was lost at sea and among the 158 killed and 52 wounded. Veterans Affairs provides memorial headstones and markers for eligible active-duty service members and veterans whose remains are not recovered, identified, buried at sea, donated to science or whose cremated remains have been scattered.

CLICK HERE to see the new way the VA offers to pay tribute to veterans online.

The online tribute allows visitors to voice memories and appreciation for a veteran’s service. All comments are reviewed for appropriateness before they’re posted.

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