Dramatic rescue mission: 81 years after the crash in the Pacific!

Dramatic rescue mission: 81 years after the crash in the Pacific!

Wappingers Falls, New York, USA - On June 1, 2025, significant progress in recovering in the Second World War will be announced. The story revolves around the US bomber "Heaven Can Wait", which was shot down over the Pacific on March 11, 1944. The crash occurred near the Pacific Island of New Guinea, whereby all eleven crew members had to die. The remains were officially classified as "impossible", which caused the relatives of the deceased to do their own research in order to create a worthy souvenir. world Have carried out rescue campaigns.

A particularly committed relative of one of the Crew members, Scott Althaus, began twelve years ago with his research over the crash location. He evaluated historical documents and eyewitness reports and was able to identify the crash site in front of Anwar Point in Papua New Guinea. This research resulted in a collaboration with Project Recover, a non -profit company that specializes in the salvage of missing soldiers. In 2017, the bomber's rubble field was localized on an area of almost 27 square kilometers. Project recover uses innovative methods, to identify the remains of secluded soldiers.

The identity of the fallen

In 2023, a team of divers of the US Navy discovered identification brands and human remains. DNA tests have now confirmed the identity of the fallen soldiers Eugene Derrigan, Thomas Kelly, Donald Sheppick and Herbert Tennyson. The funerals of these soldiers took place in the presence of over 200 mourning guests at the Memorial Day weekend, while Sheppick and Tennyson will find their last rest in the coming months. Darrigan was buried with military honors, while Kelly's grave was built at the location of a memorial stone in Livermore, California.

A total of seven crew members are still officially missing. The relatives of the fallen soldiers, especially Althaus, continuously work on identifying all missing persons and do not give up until the last remains are recovered.

Current recovery missions

Speaking of recovery actions: A new mission from Project Recover has recently been announced. This aims to find a B-52 bomber and its crew missing in 1968, which crashed off the coast of Texas. This campaign could be important for a total of 132 affected members who hope for answers. The last radio contact of the bomber, "ROG 88", was recorded on February 28, 1968 before the contact was stopped and no physical traces of the bomber could be found. Project recover Analyzes and technological progress in maritime archeology could enable successful salvage.

For historians and researchers who are interested in the experiences and experiences of relatives of the former Wehrmacht, the Wehrmacht-Infunftstelle extensive research services. This information is not only important for historiography, but also important for the descendants that want to learn more about their family roots.