Missing WWII Sailor Honored 64 Years Later

A Spokane family finally has closure after losing a loved one in combat 64 years ago. The family of missing WWII sailor Alvin Kuonen gathered Saturday to pay their respects and honor his memory and service to his country at Pleasant Prarie Cementary in Spokane. Alvin Kuonen died at sea on the USS Jarvis (DD-393),also known as "the ship that disappeared." Kuonen was one of 10 children; he and two of his brothers served in the military during World War II. Alvin enlisted in the navy in 1940. Two years later, he died along with 247 U.S. servicemen when their ship was struck by a Japanese aircraft.Missing WWII sailor Alvin kuonen is honored for combat service 64 years after being killed at sea.To mark Kuonen's courage and service for his country his family was presented with a Purple Heart and Colors. The Kuonen family says they are finally at peace enough to hold a memorial for Alvin, even though his body was never recovered. Alvin's headstone now rests near his two brothers Charles and Emil Kuonen.USS Jarvis (DD-393)The USS Jarvis (DD-393) was built at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington and commissioned in 1937