Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced on May 29 that the United States and Arkansas state flags will be flown at half-staff on May 30 in remembrance of Fireman Third Class Royle Bradford Luker. Luker, born March 15, 1924, in North Little Rock, served with honor aboard the USS West Virginia during World War II and lost his life during the attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7, 1941.
For his service and valor, Luker received several commendations, including the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and Navy Expeditionary Medal. His remains were considered missing or unknown for more than eighty years until advancements in forensic science enabled their identification and return to Arkansas.
Luker’s surviving family members include his nephew John Luker and niece Becky Liensing. He will be laid to rest with full military honors on May 30 at New Bethel Cemetery near Plainview beside his parents, George F. and Nettie Estelle Luker.
Governor Sanders said she invites all Arkansans to honor Luker’s legacy and reflect upon “the cost of freedom he so bravely bore.” The proclamation calls for flags to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset as a mark of respect for his service and devotion.
