Bringing Closure to a Family: The Journey of Identifying Lt. Herbert G. Tennyson
A Hero’s Story Comes Full Circle
On March 11, 1944, during a bombing mission in Hansa Bay, New Guinea, the B-24D Liberator bomber "Heaven Can Wait," piloted by U.S. Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Herbert G. Tennyson, met a tragic fate. The aircraft, carrying Tennyson and his crew, was struck by anti-aircraft fire, leading to a catastrophic explosion and subsequent crash into the Pacific Ocean. The incident left the lives of the 11 crew members hanging in the balance, and for 80 years, their families awaited answers. Now, Lt. Tennyson’s remains have been identified, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to bring closure to the families of those lost in World War II.
Eyewitness Accounts and the Crash
During the mission, crew members from other planes in the formation reported seeing flames erupting from the bomb bay and tail of Tennyson’s aircraft. The plane pitched violently upward before banking left and plummeting into the ocean. Airmen from nearby aircraft circled the crash site, searching for signs of life, but none were found. Sgt. Arnold S. Smith, a waist gunner on another plane, reported, "I could see no evidence that bodies remained at the surface." The loss of "Heaven Can Wait" and its crew was a stark reminder of the sacrifices made during the war.
The Quest for Recovery
In the years following the war, the U.S. military conducted extensive searches of crash sites in New Guinea. However, in 1950, officials concluded that the remains of Lt. Tennyson and his crew were non-recoverable. This conclusion brought little comfort to the families, who held onto hope that one day their loved ones would be brought home. Decades later, in 2017, an organization called Project Recover located the wreckage of a B-24 aircraft in Hansa Bay using sonar scans. This discovery reignited hope and set in motion a series of events that would ultimately lead to the identification of Lt. Tennyson’s remains.
Advanced Technology and Tireless Efforts
Following the discovery of the wreckage, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) conducted underwater investigations and surveys to ensure the site was safe and free of any undetonated explosives. In 2023, an underwater recovery team excavated the crash site, recovering crucial evidence such as life support equipment and identification tags. These artifacts were sent to a DPAA laboratory for analysis, where scientists utilized dental and anthropological analysis, mitochondrial DNA, and material evidence to identify Lt. Tennyson. This meticulous process not only confirmed his identity but also underscored the commitment of the DPAA to honor the sacrifices of service members and their families.
A Legacy of Honor
Lt. Herbert G. Tennyson is now the fourth crewmember of "Heaven Can Wait" to be positively identified. In recent months, the DPAA has also accounted for Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Eugene J. Darrigan, the radio operator; 2nd Lt. Thomas V. Kelly Jr., the bombardier; and 2nd Lt. Donald W. Sheppick, the navigator. These identifications are a testament to the enduring efforts of the DPAA and the importance of bringing closure to the families of those who served. Lt. Tennyson will be laid to rest in Wichita, Kansas, in a ceremony that will honor his service and sacrifice.
Closure and Remembrance
The identification of Lt. Tennyson’s remains is a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of World War II and the sacrifices made by service members and their families. As the Tennyson family prepares to lay their loved one to rest, it is a time not only for grief but also for celebration of a life dedicated to service and country. The story of "Heaven Can Wait" and its crew serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of never forgetting those who gave their last full measure of devotion.
