Remains Of Bridgeport Sailor Killed In Pearl Harbor Identified

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Gov. Dannel Malloy has directed all U.S. and state flags in Connecticut to be lowered to half-staff Monday in recognition of a Bridgeport WWII sailor whose remains were recently identified. U.S. Navy Water Tender 1st Class Stephen Pepe was killed in the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.

A full military honors burial is scheduled for Monday in Bourne, Mass.

“Navy Water Tender 1st Class Stephen Pepe gave his life for our country, and we will be forever grateful for his service," said Gov. Dannel Malloy. "Over seven decades after he made the ultimate sacrifice in a battle that marked one of the darkest days in American history, he is returning to his family and will receive a proper burial. I ask all Connecticut residents to join me in honoring Stephen Pepe’s memory and sacrifice.”

Pepe was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was attacked by Japanese aircraft. Pepe was among 429 killed on the ship.

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