A young sailor who died during World War Two has finally returned home to Monticello.
Navy Seaman 1st Class Donald Stott was onboard the USS Oklahoma when it was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor and capsized during multiple torpedo hits on December 7th, 1941. He was 19 years old.
Navy personnel have been identifying remains of sailors lost at Pearl Harbor these last several years.
Stott was remembered this past Saturday, with services at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Monticello. Afterwards, he was laid to rest with military honors in Monticello’s Oakwood Cemetery.
According to his obituary posted by Goettsch Funeral Home in Monticello, Stott enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 17. At that young age, his father had to sign for permission. He enjoyed the brief time that he spent in Hawaii and was proud to be serving his country. Stott’s large family is proud of his service at Pearl Harbor. The family wants to express thanks to the United States Navy for their diligence and respect in making his return home to Monticello happen.
Governor Kim Reynolds ordered all flags in Iowa to fly at half-staff on Saturday in Seaman Stott’s honor.
photos courtesy of Goettsch Funeral Home
