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 His determination led him to sift through countless historical documents, photographs, and eyewitness accounts to pinpoint where the plane might have gone down.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.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The Washington Post: Aviator Comes Home
- Military Times: WWII Bomber Crash
- ABC7 News: WWII Vet Laid to Rest
- People: WWII Soldiers Return Home
- AP News: WWII Remains Recovered
- Wikipedia: World War II
- Google Search: WWII Aviator Remains
- Google Scholar: WWII Aviation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: World War II
- Google News: WWII Remains Recovery
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
