More than eight decades after he was reported missing in action during World War II, the remains of 2nd Lt. Thomas V. Kelly have been found and brought back to his hometown of Livermore, California. The recovery operation, which some may almost call a miracle, was made possible in part by the dedication of a University of Illinois professor.
Professor Scott Althaus began to seriously attempt uncovering his cousin's fate approximately 12 years ago, initiating a search that would finally give the family the closure they longed for. Althaus's journey began with simply wanting to honor Lt. Kelly on Memorial Day in 2013, according to an ABC7News interview. The pursuit led him through a wealth of information and eventually to network with Project Recover, a nonprofit dedicated to locating the missing soldiers of America's past conflicts.
Althaus handed over his findings to Project Recover, which, along with the U.S. Navy, managed to locate the downed B-24 bomber named "Heaven Can Wait" 215 feet underwater in Hansa Bay. In a statement obtained by Fox32Chicago, Althaus expressed his family's initial disbelief that the site might ever be found or that a military operation at such depths could be successful. Yet deep-water divers did successfully retrieve remains, bringing tangible proof of the crew's fate back to the surface.
As part of a delicate and meticulous recovery process, Lt. Kelly's remains have been positively identified through DNA testing, confirming that part of his skull and right leg were among what was recovered. The news has brought a somber sense of joy and completion to the family. Sandy Althaus, Kelly's first cousin, said in an ABC7News interview, "To welcome you home. This is where you belong."
Looking ahead, this Memorial Day weekend will be one of remembrance and catharsis for the family and community of Livermore. A motorcade is scheduled to escort Kelly past landmarks of his youth, concluding with a burial at Saint Michael's cemetery. The story of Scott Althaus's dedication to discovering his relative's resting place, now joined by a team of committed individuals at Project Recover, continues to echo the unwavering commitment toward honoring those who served and sacrificed.
