Local Sailor’s Remains Return Home After More Than 80 Years

STANLY COUNTY, N.C. — After 80 years, a Stanly County sailor is finally home.  Navy Seaman Edward Talbert died in the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II.  WCCB Charlotte’s James Scott caught up with Talbert’s nephew to ask why it took so long for him to come home.

Japanese fighters and bombers assaulted Pearl Harbor, decimating the Unites States’ Navy base in Hawaii.  Over 2,400 Americans were killed, including New London’s own Edward Everette Talbert.

Talbert was one of the first North Carolinians confirmed dead in World War II.  More than 80 years later, his remains finally made it back to Stanly County, just miles from where Talbert was raised.

Talbert wasn’t even supposed to be in Pearl Harbor that day.  He was approved for a month-long leave to head back to North Carolina, but stayed to get a promotion.  That was the last time Talbert’s family heard from him.  Eighty years, three months, and 16 days later, the Seaman First Class made it home, draped in red, white and blue.

Talbert’s memorial service will be held on what would have been his 100th birthday this Saturday at 11am at Prospect Baptist Church in Albemarle.  The pubic is invited for the viewing.

The family also requests any Veterans to come and share their experiences with them.