More than eight decades after their ultimate sacrifices, the remains of U.S. airmen shot down during World War II are making their way back to the Bay Area. Leading the recent homecomings is the return of 2nd Lt. Thomas V. Kelly Jr., whose bomber went down over the Pacific on March 11, 1944. Last Friday, 81 years later, his homecoming was honored by a procession including a military escort upon his remains' arrival at Mineta San Jose International Airport, reported CBS News San Francisco.
The recovery, part of a monumental effort by Project Recover and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), has allowed for a Memorial Day funeral in his hometown to be held. Kelly, remembered as a 21-year-old bombardier assigned to the 90th Bombardment Group, 320th Squadron, will be laid to rest with full military honors. Scott Althaus, a relative deeply involved in the search for Kelly, described the emotional significance of the repatriation, stating to CBS News San Francisco, "It's almost indescribable what this is going to mean for us."
Kelly was just one of 11 men aboard the B-24 Liberator, nicknamed Heaven Can Wait, when it was shot down. Historically, the plane's wreckage and crew had been considered lost until Project Recover's efforts. The devotion to trace their whereabouts has brought closure to families and communities connected by the collective loss. According to ABC7, four crew members were identified after the recovery mission, giving testament to the profound tenacity of those determined to bring them home.
Memorial Day proceedings emphasize the enduring respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Kelly's funeral procession was set to pass by significant landmarks, including Livermore High School and the house where he grew up, heralding a poignant tribute to his legacy. "I think it's very unlikely that Tom Kelly's memory is going to fade soon," Althaus told ABC7, a sentiment echoing the deep-rooted impact on the community and beyond.
