WWII Airman Returns Home 81 Years After Dying in Combat: A Family's Decade-Long Journey for Closure

On this Memorial Day, a poignant chapter in World War II history concluded as the remains of U.S. Army Air Force Lt. Thomas Kelly were finally returned to his family 81 years after he perished in combat over Papua New Guinea. The story begins with Sandy Althaus, Lt. Kelly's cousin, who recalls, "I just believed he was dead, but then there was a bit that said maybe he's still alive." This uncertainty marked her family for decades. The turning point came in 2013 when Sandy's son, Scott Althaus, a University of Illinois professor researching wartime communications, began a quest to find his great-uncle. His research led him to Project Recover, an organization dedicated to recovering missing US personnel. Using advanced robotics and collaboration with the Navy, they located Lt. Kelly's plane wreckage 215 feet underwater in Hansa Bay. DNA testing confirmed the remains were his. Patrick Scannon, co-founder of Project Recover, notes the fortunate preservation of enough wreckage to enable recovery. Lt. Kelly's remains were returned this past Friday, providing the family with long-awaited closure. A motorcade will drive Lt. Kelly through Livermore, past his old home, before his Memorial Day burial, a fitting tribute to his sacrifice. The story is a testament to the enduring power of family, determination, and the pursuit of justice for those who served.