Memorial service honors 80th anniversary of WWII explosion at former Umatilla Army Depot that claimed 6 lives
HERMISTON, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Columbia Development Authority and the Oregon Military Department hosted a memorial service Thursday to observe the 80th anniversary of a 1944 munitions explosion at the former Umatilla Army Ordnance Depot, that claimed the lives of six workers.
Oregon State Rep. Greg Smith, representing the Columbia Development Authority, spoke to those who gathered to pay tribute to the six people who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“The cause of the explosion has never been determined. However, what we do know is that six civilians lost their lives that day,” Smith said. “It is important that we recognize the men and women who sacrificed for each and every one of us.”
The accidental explosion occurred inside igloo B-1014 on March 21, 1944 at 9:21 p.m., one of 1,002 storage igloos — instantly killing Harry D. Sever, Hiram Cook, Kenneth L. Fraser, William Sanders, Alice Wolgamott, and Lance Stultz.
Following Smith’s remarks, a tribal prayer was offered by Raymond Huesties of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and Oregon National Guard Chaplain (Col.) Jacob Scott offered a prayer to those gathered at the memorial site.
“On this spring day, we pause to remember and honor the service to our nation the six people who perished in the igloo explosion on this spot 80 years ago today,” Scott said. “They were part of a massive effort to defend America and the world against tyranny.”
Oregon National Guard service members took part in the ceremony, with an honor guard unit presenting the colors with music presented for the national anthem, as taps were played after a wreath was laid by members of American Legion Post 37.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, a procession was led by the Oregon Military Department Wildland Fire back to the Rees Training Center to the Explosion Site Memorial Plaque for a moment of silence, led by Chaplain Scott.
In remarks held after the two ceremonies, State Sen. Bill Hansell reflected on the sober significance of the explosion.
“Can you imagine if you had a loved one working the swing shift that evening and the concern you would have wondering if they would walk through the door?” Hansell said. “It’s fitting that we pause and remember their sacrifices."
As the United States prepared for WWII, the U.S. Army began building a military munitions and supply depot on 20,000 acres of land located in Umatilla and Morrow counties near Hermiston in 1940. The site was selected because it was safe from attacks by sea, as well as the proximity to established railroad lines and a port location on the Columbia River.
The Umatilla Depot was renamed the Raymond F. Rees Training Center on Sept. 29, 2022 as the home of the Oregon Army National Guard regional infantry training center.
