WWII bomber crash left 11 dead and ‘non-recoverable.' Four are finally coming home
All 11 men aboard were killed. Their remains, deep below the vast sea, were designated as non-recoverable.
Yet four crew members' remains are beginning to return to their hometowns after a remarkable investigation by family members and a recovery mission involving elite Navy divers who descended 200 feet (61 meters) in a pressurized bell to reach the sea floor.
Staff Sgt. Eugene Darrigan, the radio operator was buried military honors and community support on Saturday in his hometown of Wappingers Falls, New York, more than eight decades after leaving behind his wife and baby son.
The bombardier, 2nd Lt. Thomas Kelly, was to be buried Monday in Livermore, California, where he grew up in a ranching family. The remains of the pilot, 1st Lt. Herbert Tennyson, and navigator, 2nd Lt. Donald Sheppick, will be interred in the coming months.
The ceremonies are happening 12 years after one of Kelly's relatives, Scott Althaus, set out to solve the mystery of where exactly the plane went down.
'I'm just so grateful,' he told The Associated Press. 'It's been an impossible journey — just should never have been able to get to this day. And here we are, 81 years later.'
The Army Air Forces plane nicknamed Heaven Can Wait was a B-24 with a cartoon pin-up angel painted on its nose and a crew of 11 on its final flight.
They were on a mission to bomb Japanese targets when the plane was shot down. Other flyers on the mission were not able to spot survivors.
Their wives, parents and siblings were of a generation that tended to be tight-lipped in their grief. But the men were sorely missed.
Sheppick, 26, and Tennyson, 24, each left behind pregnant wives who would sometimes write them two or three letters a day. Darrigan, 26, also was married, and had been able to attend his son's baptism while on leave. A photo shows him in uniform, smiling as he holds the boy.
Darrigan's wife, Florence, remarried but quietly held on to photos of her late husband, as well as a telegram informing her of his death.
Tennyson's wife, Jean, lived until age 96 and never remarried.
'She never stopped believing that he was going to come home,' said her grandson, Scott Jefferson.
As Memorial Day approached twelve years ago, Althaus asked his mother for names of relatives who died in World War II.
Althaus, a political science and communications professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, became curious while researching World War II casualties for work. His mother gave him the name of her cousin Thomas Kelly, who was 21 years old when he was reported missing in action.
Althaus recalled that as a boy, he visited Kelly's memorial stone, which has a bomber engraved on it. He began reading up on the lost plane.
'It was a mystery that I discovered really mattered to my extended family,' he said.
With help from other relatives, he analyzed historical documents, photos and eyewitness recollections. They weighed sometimes conflicting accounts of where the plane went down. After a four-year investigation, Althaus wrote a report concluding that the bomber likely crashed off of Awar Point in what is now Papua New Guinea
The report was shared with Project Recover, a nonprofit committed to finding and repatriating missing American service members and a partner of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, or DPAA. A team from Project Recover, led by researchers from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, located the debris field in 2017 after searching nearly 10 square miles (27 square kilometers) of seafloor.
The DPAA launched its deepest ever underwater recovery mission in 2023.
A Navy dive team recovered dog tags, including Darrigan's partially corroded tag with his the name of his wife, Florence, as an emergency contact. Kelly's ring was recovered. The stone was gone, but the word BOMBARDIER was still legible.
And they recovered remains that underwent DNA testing. Last September, the military officially accounted for Darrigan, Kelly, Sheppick and Tennyson.
With seven men who were on the plane still unaccounted for, a future DPAA mission to the site is possible.
More than 200 people honored Darrigan on Saturday in Wappingers Falls, some waving flags from the sidewalk during the procession to the church, others saluting him at a graveside ceremony under cloudy skies.
'After 80 years, this great soldier has come home to rest,' Darrigan's great niece, Susan Pineiro, told mourners at his graveside.
Darrigan's son died in 2020, but his grandson Eric Schindler attended.
Darrigan's 85-year-old niece, Virginia Pineiro, solemnly accepted the folded flag.
Kelly's remains arrived in the Bay Area on Friday. He was to be buried Monday at his family's cemetery plot, right by the marker with the bomber etched on it. A procession of Veterans of Foreign Wars motorcyclists will pass by Kelly's old home and high school before he is interred.
'I think it's very unlikely that Tom Kelly's memory is going to fade soon,' said Althaus, now a volunteer with Project Recover.
Sheppick will be buried in the months ahead near his parents in a cemetery in Coal Center, Pennsylvania. His niece, Deborah Wineland, said she thinks her late father, Sheppick's younger brother, would have wanted it that way. The son Sheppick never met died of cancer while in high school.
Tennyson will be interred on June 27 in Wichita, Kansas. He'll be buried beside his wife, Jean, who died in 2017, just months before the wreckage was located.
'I think because she never stopped believing that he was coming back to her, that it's only fitting she be proven right,' Jefferson said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Magazine
5 hours ago
- Time Magazine
The True Story Behind PBS' 'Atomic People'
Eighty years since the first and only time the atomic bomb was used for warfare on Aug 6. and Aug. 9, 1945, survivors of the attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki open up about what it was like on the ground in Atomic People, airing on PBS Aug. 4. The U.S. had been developing the bombs since the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941. When the U.S. dropped them four years later, they instantly killed about 78,000 of Hiroshima's 350,000 residents and about 40,000 of Nagasaki's 240,000 residents. About a week after the bombings, on Aug. 15, it was announced that Japan would surrender, officially signing the documents on Sep. 2 and ending World War II. Most of the survivors were children when the bombs were dropped, yet they can recall those fateful days vividly. Dripping flesh Survivors recall initially seeing bright lights. In Nagasaki, Kikuyo Nakamura, who was 21 back then, said the mountains looked like they were on fire. Students in Hiroshima recall an intense light, a blinding light speeding towards them in their classroom. The effects of the bombing could be seen immediately in Hiroshima, survivors say. One man describes the roof tiles on his home shattering and a hole opening up in the ceiling. Hiromu said the sky looked like it was 'raining fire.' Michiko Kodama was in school at the time and recalls hiding under a desk as the ceiling came crashing down. Windows shattered and splintered across the classroom desks and chairs. Hiromu describes seeing someone with 'skin hanging off his face like an old cloth,' the 'flesh dripping like candle wax.' Kodama's father collected the 7-year-old from school, and while he was carrying her on his back, she saw people with melting flesh—which she calls 'a scene from hell.' Chieko Kiriake was 15 when she saw victims with skin from their legs peeling off. As victims started to die, students had to dig holes for them in their playgrounds. 'I cremated them,' Kiriake says. Underneath Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park are the remains of tens of thousands of victims. The aftermath Survivors who lost their homes had to build barrack huts. Food was scarce. Survivors describe going to the mountains to look for trees with edible fruits. They even ate bees eggs from bees nests. As Seiichiro Mise puts it, 'We really lived like cavemen.' One survivor said her father died after his stomach turned black and blue, and he vomited blood. By the end of 1945, about 90,000 people in Hiroshima and Nagasaki had died. Kiyomi Iguro, who was 19 in 1945, did not have any immediate injuries from the bombing, but believes that the miscarriage she had later in life was caused by radiation exposure from the bomb. 'I thought about taking my life,' she says in the doc, tempted to overdose on sleeping pills. A couple, Hiroshi and Keiko Shimizu, describe being too afraid to have children because of what abnormalities they might pass on. Nakamura said her son developed leukemia as an adult, and the doctor told her it was likely because she was breastfeeding. Survivors received some medical care and some form of compensation, but campaigns for more compensation and the abolition of nuclear weapons are ongoing. The doc ends with survivor Sueichi Kido at the United Nations in 2023, speaking about how scenes of the wars in Ukraine and Gaza make him afraid that another nuclear war could be on the horizon. Survivors hope that testimonies like Atomic People, on the devastating effects of the bomb, will prevent history from repeating itself. Atomic People premieres Aug. 4 at 10 p.m. ET.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
13 Ways Boomers Subtly Judge The Younger Generation (Without Saying It Directly)
Navigating the differences between generations can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. You might notice that Boomers, in particular, have their own unique way of expressing their thoughts about today's younger generation. They often won't come out and say it directly, but their gestures, comments, and habits can speak volumes. Here are thirteen subtle ways Boomers might judge younger folks, even if they don't put it into words. 1. Phone Obsession You might catch a Boomer giving you that look when you're glued to your phone. Their eyebrows raise a bit, and there's a subtle shake of the head. They come from a time when phones were stuck to walls and privacy was a given, so seeing you snap and scroll might feel odd to them. According to Dr. Jean Twenge, a psychology professor at San Diego State University, excessive phone use among younger generations is often linked to increased loneliness and depression. Boomers might not outright say it, but they probably believe that smartphones are the big, bad wolf of social connections. Instead of stating it plainly, they'll tell stories of playing outside until the streetlights came on or how they called friends from the rotary phone. It doesn't mean they're completely against technology, but they likely have concerns about its impact on real-world interactions. Their judgment might come from a place of confusion about how your digital habits can blend with real-life responsibilities. Sometimes, they may just wish you'd have a little more unplugged time like they did. 2. Job Hopping If you've switched jobs a few times in the last couple of years, you might notice a Boomer raising their eyebrows in surprise. They're from the era where sticking it out with one company for decades was the norm. You might hear them reminisce about company loyalty and how it pays off in the long run. To them, your career moves might seem impulsive or lacking in commitment. However, they likely don't realize that the job market has dramatically changed, valuing skills and adaptability over long tenure. Boomers often equate job stability with success, so seeing you jump around might confuse them. They're used to pensions and gold watches for long service, things that are almost extinct now. While they might admire your courage to explore, there's a part of them that wonders if you're missing out on the stability they cherished. Yet, deep down, they might envy your freedom to explore new opportunities. 3. Avocado Toast Spending You might be out for brunch, and when you order avocado toast, you sense a Boomer quietly judging your choice. They might think back to their own days of thrifty habits and question your spending priorities. It's not about the toast, really, but more about the perceived lack of financial planning. A study by the Federal Reserve in 2019 highlighted that younger generations face different financial challenges, including student debt and housing costs, which Boomers might not fully grasp. To them, your brunch habit might seem extravagant when it's really just a moment of joy. Boomers grew up with different financial advice that emphasized saving every penny. They might not understand how smaller indulgences fit into your overall budget, especially when they are used to saving for bigger goals. This isn't to say they never splurge, but they might see it as less frequent. The judgment might stem from a genuine concern for your financial future, even if it comes off as critique. 4. Non-Traditional Work Hours Your flexible work schedule might be another source of silent judgment from Boomers. They're from an era where the nine-to-five was standard, and anything else seemed unusual. So, when you're working late at night or starting your day after noon, it might seem odd to them. They often equate early rising with productivity and success. It's important to remember that the work world has evolved, and remote work and flexible hours are now common. Boomers might worry that non-traditional hours mean you're not working as hard. They sometimes believe that productivity is tied to being in an office all day. Your freedom to work when you're most productive might come across as a lack of discipline. Behind the judgment might be a mix of curiosity and nostalgia for the days when work schedules were more predictable. Despite their concerns, they might secretly admire your ability to adapt to a new work environment. 5. Renting Over Owning Boomers might raise an eyebrow when they hear that you rent instead of owning a home. They grew up in an era where owning property was a major life goal and a sign of success. You hear them talk about their first house purchase and how they managed mortgages. According to a 2020 report by the Urban Institute, younger generations face higher housing costs and stagnant wages, making homeownership more challenging than it was for Boomers. They might not get that the economy has shifted, and renting is sometimes the more viable option. While Boomers might view renting as throwing money away, they don't always understand the current financial landscape. Owning property used to be more attainable, with cheaper prices and favorable interest rates. They might see their home as an investment, unaware that it's not that simple today. The judgment could be a reflection of their pride in homeownership and a lack of understanding of modern financial constraints. Sometimes, they might just be nostalgic for a milestone that was important to them. 6. Overconfidence In Technology You might notice a Boomer roll their eyes when you suggest using an app for something they do manually. They come from a time when technology was not as pervasive, and they might not trust its reliability. When you effortlessly navigate through settings or troubleshoot a tech problem, they might see it as showing off. Boomers might feel overwhelmed by the pace of tech advancements and prefer the tried-and-true methods they know. It's not that they reject technology completely, but they might not fully embrace it as you do. Their judgment might come from a place of insecurity or fear of the unknown. While tech can seem like a silver bullet for everything, Boomers might rely on their own experiences and instincts. They might think you're too dependent on technology, whereas they value hands-on skills. The difference in approach can lead to misunderstandings about efficiency and effectiveness. Deep down, they might be impressed by your tech savviness but uncertain about its long-term impact. 7. Casual Dress Codes If you show up to a family gathering in jeans and a tee, a Boomer might give you a once-over. They come from an era where dressing up was the norm, and casual attire was reserved for weekends. They might remember when suits and formal wear were expected in most settings. Dr. Karen Pine, a fashion psychologist, notes how clothing choice can significantly impact perceptions and attitudes across generations. To Boomers, what you wear might reflect your respect for the occasion or the people you're with. The judgment might not be about fashion per se, but rather about the standards they grew up with. They might feel that dressing up shows respect and effort. For you, casual wear is about comfort and practicality, not a lack of respect. It's a shift in cultural norms that can be hard for them to comprehend. While they might silently wish you'd dress up more, they might also grudgingly accept the change in fashion trends. 8. Work-Life Balance Boomers might quietly question your emphasis on work-life balance. They grew up in a culture where work often took precedence over personal life. You might hear them talk about late nights at the office or how they climbed the corporate ladder. Your desire for a balanced life might seem to them like a lack of ambition. They might not realize that today's work culture values mental health and personal time more than it did in their day. Their judgment might stem from a belief that hard work pays off, no matter the personal cost. Boomers often associate long hours with dedication and success. Seeing you prioritize downtime might seem like a lack of drive. However, they likely don't understand that the modern workplace often encourages balance to prevent burnout. Deep down, they might even envy the freedom to prioritize personal life without guilt. 9. Social Media Sharing When you post about your life online, Boomers might quietly judge the openness. They were raised in a time when privacy was a given and personal life stayed personal. To them, your constant sharing might seem like overexposure or even risky. They probably remember a time when letters carried personal updates, not public posts. The judgment might be rooted in concern for your privacy and safety. Boomers might struggle to understand the value you find in online sharing and connections. They might see it as seeking attention or lacking boundaries. While they might not say it, they might wish you'd be more guarded. To them, sharing personal moments publicly could seem unnecessary or even frivolous. Despite this, they might be curious about the digital bonds you form and how they differ from theirs. 10. Instant Gratification Boomers might silently judge when you express impatience over slow Wi-Fi or delayed deliveries. They grew up in a time when waiting was the norm and patience was a virtue. The world didn't operate at lightning speed, and they had to write letters and wait for replies. Your desire for immediacy might seem excessive or even entitled to them. They might not realize that technology has conditioned you to expect faster results. Their judgment might come from pride in their patience and ability to delay gratification. They might see your expectations as unrealistic or disconnected from how processes naturally unfold. Boomers could view instant gratification as a symbol of a generation that's lost the art of waiting. However, they might not understand that the world has changed and speed sometimes equals efficiency. They might envy your access to quick solutions but wish you'd appreciate the beauty of anticipation. 11. Changing Social Norms Boomers might watch in silence as you navigate new social norms, feeling a bit bewildered. They've seen a lot of change in their lifetime, but today's pace might seem overwhelming. The world is more diverse and inclusive than ever, and you're likely more attuned to issues like gender identity and social justice. For Boomers, these conversations might feel complicated, making them nostalgic for simpler times. They may feel left behind, not quite understanding the importance of these changes. Their judgment might stem from unfamiliarity and a fear of saying the wrong thing. They might struggle with the new rules of engagement and fear being judged themselves. While they might admire your openness and adaptability, they might also long for the social norms they grew up with. It's crucial to remember they've seen a lot of change and might need time to adjust. Despite their silent judgment, they might actually appreciate your passion for progress and equality. 12. Minimalist Lifestyles If your living space is minimalistic, a Boomer might quietly judge the lack of stuff. They come from an era that valued accumulation and display as signs of success. You might hear them talk about collections or family heirlooms, things they take pride in owning. Your minimalist lifestyle might seem bare or even lonely to them. They might not understand that for you, less is more, and simplicity is a choice, not a necessity. Boomers might see it as a rejection of the values they hold dear. They might feel that your space lacks personality or history. While they might not voice it, they might wish you valued material possessions more. They might not realize that experiences and personal growth are your priorities. Despite their judgment, they might secretly admire your freedom from material constraints. 13. Environmental Concerns Boomers might roll their eyes when you emphasize eco-friendly choices. They come from a time when environmental issues weren't as prominent in daily life. To them, your efforts might seem like over-exaggeration or a fad. They likely grew up when convenience took precedence over conservation. Your commitment to sustainability might seem perplexing or excessive to them. Their judgment might stem from a lack of understanding of environmental changes over the years. They might not realize how deeply younger generations feel the impact of climate change. While they might not say it, they might wish you'd focus on more immediate concerns. They likely don't grasp the urgency you feel towards protecting the planet. Despite their silent judgment, they might be inspired by your dedication and eventually adopt some of your greener habits. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Yahoo
Large great white shark spotted near Santa Monica
A roughly 15-foot great white shark was captured on video last week swimming close to Santa Monica's shores, providing a rare glimpse of the fully grown apex predator idling in near-urban waters. Photographer Carlos Gauna launched a drone Thursday about a mile north of the Santa Monica Pier after hearing reports that some great white sharks had been observed breaching — launching themselves out of the water in acrobatic displays of force and fury. He figured he'd find juvenile sharks, which are known to frequent the area and can grow up to 10 feet. Experts say that newborn and juvenile great white sharks are attracted to near-shore warm waters where there is plenty of easy-to-catch prey and few predators. Adults, on the other hand, prefer colder, deeper waters. Soon after launching his drone, Gauna said he was stunned to see the silhouette of a 15-foot great white gliding near the surface about 50 yards off the coast. "The Santa Monica Bay is known as a nursery ground for juveniles," Gauna said. "But this was no juvenile. This is the real deal." Gauna said he later informed a lifeguard as a precaution. In California, encounters with sharks, especially violent ones, aren't frequent, according to California Fish and Wildlife. Around 200 incidents have been verified in California waters from 1950 to 2021, with 107 resulting in injuries and 15 in deaths. For Gauna, the shark sighting was more awe-inspiring than fear-inducing. And he said it's a spectacular example of the magnificent kinds of creatures that lie just off our shores. "It's a good reminder of how a great ecosystem exists next to one of the busiest cities in America," Gauna told The Times. "And just how rare a shark attack here really is." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Solve the daily Crossword
