Remains of WWII Bomber Crew Finally Returned Home

Memorial service for WWII bomber crew members with attendees and American flags.

News Summary

After 81 years, the remains of the crew of the WWII bomber ‘Heaven Can Wait’ have been returned to their families. The bomber was shot down in 1944, and the journey to recover the remains involved extensive historical research and a community effort. Four crew members were successfully retrieved in 2023, with their burials providing closure to grieving families. Though seven remain unaccounted for, the dedication to honoring their legacy continues as efforts to find them persist.

Remains of WWII Bomber Crew “Heaven Can Wait” Finally Returned Home After 81 Years

On March 11, 1944, history took a somber turn when the WWII bomber Heaven Can Wait was tragically shot down by enemy fire just off the coast of New Guinea. That fateful day claimed the lives of all 11 crew members aboard, leaving families with unanswered questions and a heavy heart.

A Long Search for Closure

For decades, the remains of these brave men were deemed non-recoverable, vanishing beneath the ocean’s depths. Yet, hope was reignited when a remarkable investigation began 12 years ago. *Scott Althaus*, a relative of the bomber’s bombardier, *2nd Lt. Thomas Kelly*, took the initiative to uncover what happened to his loved one. His determination led him to sift through countless historical documents, photographs, and eyewitness accounts to pinpoint where the plane might have gone down.

A Community Effort

With help from Project Recover, a dedicated nonprofit focused on finding missing American service members, the search gained momentum. In 2017, the debris field of the Heaven Can Wait was located, confirming that the bomber likely crashed off Awar Point in Papua New Guinea.

Diving into the Depths

The mission to recover the remains required elite Navy divers to descend **200 feet** in a pressurized bell, a feat that most of us can only imagine. This incredible recovery mission paid off in 2023 when the DPAA initiated its deepest underwater operation yet, successfully bringing the remains of four crew members—and some precious personal items—back to the surface.

Bringing Heroes Home

Among the recovered were *Staff Sgt. Eugene Darrigan*, *1st Lt. Herbert Tennyson*, *2nd Lt. Thomas Kelly*, and *2nd Lt. Donald Sheppick*. Joyously, *Darrigan* was laid to rest with military honors in Wappingers Falls, New York, on May 24, 2025, followed by *Kelly*’s burial in Livermore, California, on May 26, 2025. As for Tennyson and Sheppick, their burials are slated for later this year, bringing a collective sense of relief to their families after so many years of uncertainty.

A Wave of Emotion

At Darrigan’s memorial ceremony, over 200 attendees showed up to honor the legacy of these formidable heroes. Flags waved, and many saluted, creating an emotional atmosphere that conveyed immense gratitude and respect for their sacrifice. Families expressed their relief at finally bringing their loved ones home—a bittersweet conclusion to decades of waiting and wishing for answers.

Still Missing

Despite this success, seven crew members from the Heaven Can Wait bomber remain unaccounted for. The search continues, fueled by the memories of those left behind and the hope that one day, they too will be found and returned to their families.

Honoring Their Legacy

Both relatives and the community are rallying together to remember the service and sacrifice of these brave men. Their stories and contributions to our history remind us of the great cost of war, and the importance of honoring the legacy of those who served. Tennyson’s burial on June 27 in Wichita, Kansas, will see him laid to rest beside his late wife, Jean, and stand as a testament to enduring love and sacrifice.

In a journey that began nearly a century ago, the return of these soldiers is a meaningful chapter in a story of heroism, family, and relentless dedication. It’s a powerful reminder that even after many years, hope, and love can indeed bring heroes home.