A Homecoming After 81 Years: Honoring Lt. Thomas Kelly
The Return of a Hero
In Livermore, California, a poignant moment unfolded as the remains of Lieutenant Thomas Kelly, a U.S. Army Air Force pilot, returned home after 81 years. This homecoming marked a significant chapter in a family’s long wait for closure. Sandy Althaus, Kelly’s first cousin, expressed the emotional weight of this moment: “When there is an MIA, Missing In Action, there is no body coming home to bury. It caused our family to believe he was dead. But then there was a bit that said, ‘maybe he is still alive.’ You know? And so, we didn’t have the closure. But now we have the closure. So now he is home.”
A Journey Cut Short
Lieutenant Kelly grew up in Livermore and was deployed to Papua New Guinea in March 1944. On March 11, his plane was tragically shot down during a mission. Sandy, then just a young child of three and-a-half, holds fond memories of her cousin, whom the family affectionately called "Tobie." She recalls a painful silence surrounding his story, as it was too emotional to discuss.
Cherished Memories and Letters
Despite the unspoken grief, Sandy cherished the letters Kelly wrote home. “I remember he wrote many, many letters. And our family kept them all. I went through those letters, and he mentioned me every time. And I was just so touched!” These letters became a vital link, allowing Sandy to feel close to her cousin even after his untimely death.
A New Hope
The journey towards closure restarted in 2013 when Sandy’s son, Scott Althaus, expressed a desire to learn about his family’s history. “Memorial Day 2013, called me and said, ‘Mom, I want to know the name of your cousin, who died, because I want to honor him today,’” Sandy recalls. This prompted hours of online research, which uncovered information about Kelly’s final mission and reignited the family’s quest for answers.
The Role of Project Recover
Scott, a professor at the University of Illinois with a focus on military communications, became deeply involved in researching his family’s history. His efforts led him to Project Recover, an organization dedicated to locating and returning missing U.S. military personnel. “We were fortunate that, in spite of the catastrophic nature of the crash, that enough of it was held together, to do the recovery,” explains Patrick Scannon, Co-Founder of Project Recover.
Advanced Technology in Recovery
Working with the U.S. Navy, Project Recover utilized advanced robotics to search Hansa Bay, where they ultimately located Lt. Kelly’s plane at a depth of 215 feet. The discovery included tragic remnants of the aircraft, along with part of Kelly’s skull and right leg. DNA testing confirmed the identity of the remains, providing the long-sought answer to the family’s decades-long question.
Honoring a Legacy
Sandy reflects on the legacy of her cousin’s sacrifice: “A memory for all of us, his sacrifice in the service of our country. He sacrificed so we could be free. That was his job. And he said, ‘If I can help my country, it’s worth it all.’” The emotional weight of such a statement reverberates through the family and the community.
A Heartfelt Message
If Lt. Kelly were present today, Sandy would have a message for him: “I love you Tobie. So great to see you again. Have you here. To welcome you home. This is where you belong.”
Upcoming Ceremonies
In honor of Lt. Kelly, a service will take place at Saint Michael’s Catholic Church in Livermore. Following this, a motorcade will escort his remains through crucial sites in his life—past his childhood home and high school—culminating in a burial at Saint Michael’s cemetery.
This heartfelt tribute not only honors Officer Kelly but also serves as a reminder of the enduring bond families share with their loved ones, even across generations. The dedication to their memory ensures that heroes like Lt. Thomas Kelly are never forgotten.
