In a significant development nearly 80 years after the tragic crash of the Heaven Can Wait bomber, the remains of four crew members have been identified. This heavy bomber, piloted by 1st Lieutenant Herbert G. Tennyson of Wichita, Kansas, was shot down by an unidentified enemy force in March 1944 during World War II. The incident resulted in the deaths of all 11 personnel aboard, and the military declared them missing in action by 1950.
The Heaven Can Wait was not just any bomber; it had completed 30 missions, showcasing an impressive flight range before its fateful end. Known for its name derived from the 1943 film "Heaven Can Wait," the aircraft met a catastrophic fate when it erupted into flames and crashed violently into the Pacific Ocean. Despite extensive search efforts by several aircraft, no survivors were found at the time.
Following decades of uncertainty, the wreckage of the Heaven Can Wait was located in 2017, resting 213 feet deep in Hansa Bay. The discovery was made using sonar technology and imaging devices, alongside unmanned aerial and underwater robots. The U.S. Navy Experimental Diving Unit confirmed the site in 2022, paving the way for future recovery efforts.
The identification of the remains occurred in September 2024 after scientists from the Defense Prisoners of War/Missing in Action Accounting Agency (DPAA) utilized mitochondrial DNA analysis, dental records, and anthropological examinations. Althaus, a representative from DPAA, elaborated on the identification process and its emotional impact.
"To identify Tennyson’s remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and anthropological analysis, as well as material and circumstantial evidence," – DPAA
Althaus shared insights into Tennyson’s life, noting that his sister had preserved a collection of letters he wrote during his service.
"His sister, who passed before this journey started, had maintained a collection of every letter he had written from the war," – Althaus
This collection provided invaluable context to Tennyson's character, allowing researchers to understand his experiences and aspirations during a tumultuous time.
"So, we had that, and we could read what was his day to day, what was his business, and what he was excited about. So that brought us a sense of who this man was that we never could have had the chance to know," – Althaus
The tragic fate of the Heaven Can Wait crew left a lasting impact on numerous families across the nation. It is estimated that over five million relatives are connected to those who were aboard the ill-fated flight. The long-awaited identification and repatriation of the remains provide closure not only to surviving family members but also to a broader community still touched by the legacy of World War II.
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