The Return of Lt. Thomas V. Kelly Jr. to Livermore: A Story of Resilience After Eight Decades
This Memorial Day weekend in Livermore, California, a once-in-a-lifetime event is set to unfold as the community prepares to honor its native son, 2nd Lt. Thomas V. Kelly Jr., who is returning home after a staggering 81 years. This poignant homecoming is not just a family affair but a communal celebration of remembrance and sacrifice. Thomas, who was born on January 27, 1923, and raised in Livermore, served his country bravely during World War II.
After graduating from Livermore High School and being baptized at St. Michael Catholic Church, Lt. Kelly answered the call to duty in 1942, joining the 90th Bombardment Group's 320th Squadron. Throughout the war, he undertook perilous missions in the Pacific Theater, flying a B-24 bomber. On March 11, 1944, while on a mission, tragedy struck—his aircraft was shot down over Hansa Bay in Papua New Guinea, and he, along with his ten fellow crew members, was declared Missing in Action.
The years passed, and although his family never lost hope of bringing him home, the uncertainty remained a painful chapter in their lives. Like many families of Missing in Action soldiers, they clung to their memories and a faith that someday they would receive closure. It wasn't until 2017 when a nonprofit organization, Project Recover, discovered the wreckage of his aircraft that a glimmer of hope appeared. Following a successful recovery mission conducted by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency in 2023, Lt. Kelly's remains were positively identified, allowing his family and community to finally prepare for his return.
The homecoming events are planned to reflect the solemnity and honor that befits a hero: starting with a motorcade procession leading to Monte Vista Memorial Gardens and Mortuary, where Lt. Kelly will lie in repose. The community is encouraged to pay their respects during this time on Sunday, May 25. The following day, a funeral mass will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church, where the community will gather to remember Lt. Kelly's life and sacrifice. Due to limited space, the interment at St. Michael Cemetery will be private, thus ensuring the family's needs are also respected during this emotional period.
In an official statement, Scott Althaus, Lt. Kelly's cousin, remarked on the poignant nature of this homecoming, saying, "Tommy left Livermore in 1942 to do his part in the war, and like so many others in that conflict, he ended up giving more than he expected. After more than eight decades, he is finally coming home to a family that never forgot him and to a community that can help us remember him."
To honor Li. Thomas V. Kelly’s ultimate sacrifice, Monte Vista Memorial Gardens will dedicate its planned veterans memorial in his name, ensuring that future generations will know and appreciate the heroism displayed by Lt. Kelly and countless others who served in WWII. The community of Livermore invites everyone to come together to remember a brave soldier and to embrace the meaning of sacrifice as they celebrate this extraordinary homecoming. Full details of the ceremonies can be accessed at Monte Vista Memorial Gardens’ website.
Thus, as the sun rises on Memorial Day weekend, Livermore will stand united in reverence and remembrance, celebrating the return of a beloved hero who has finally come home, bringing along stories of courage that will inspire many for generations to come.
After graduating from Livermore High School and being baptized at St. Michael Catholic Church, Lt. Kelly answered the call to duty in 1942, joining the 90th Bombardment Group's 320th Squadron. Throughout the war, he undertook perilous missions in the Pacific Theater, flying a B-24 bomber. On March 11, 1944, while on a mission, tragedy struck—his aircraft was shot down over Hansa Bay in Papua New Guinea, and he, along with his ten fellow crew members, was declared Missing in Action.
The years passed, and although his family never lost hope of bringing him home, the uncertainty remained a painful chapter in their lives. Like many families of Missing in Action soldiers, they clung to their memories and a faith that someday they would receive closure. It wasn't until 2017 when a nonprofit organization, Project Recover, discovered the wreckage of his aircraft that a glimmer of hope appeared. Following a successful recovery mission conducted by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency in 2023, Lt. Kelly's remains were positively identified, allowing his family and community to finally prepare for his return.
The homecoming events are planned to reflect the solemnity and honor that befits a hero: starting with a motorcade procession leading to Monte Vista Memorial Gardens and Mortuary, where Lt. Kelly will lie in repose. The community is encouraged to pay their respects during this time on Sunday, May 25. The following day, a funeral mass will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church, where the community will gather to remember Lt. Kelly's life and sacrifice. Due to limited space, the interment at St. Michael Cemetery will be private, thus ensuring the family's needs are also respected during this emotional period.
In an official statement, Scott Althaus, Lt. Kelly's cousin, remarked on the poignant nature of this homecoming, saying, "Tommy left Livermore in 1942 to do his part in the war, and like so many others in that conflict, he ended up giving more than he expected. After more than eight decades, he is finally coming home to a family that never forgot him and to a community that can help us remember him."
To honor Li. Thomas V. Kelly’s ultimate sacrifice, Monte Vista Memorial Gardens will dedicate its planned veterans memorial in his name, ensuring that future generations will know and appreciate the heroism displayed by Lt. Kelly and countless others who served in WWII. The community of Livermore invites everyone to come together to remember a brave soldier and to embrace the meaning of sacrifice as they celebrate this extraordinary homecoming. Full details of the ceremonies can be accessed at Monte Vista Memorial Gardens’ website.
Thus, as the sun rises on Memorial Day weekend, Livermore will stand united in reverence and remembrance, celebrating the return of a beloved hero who has finally come home, bringing along stories of courage that will inspire many for generations to come.
Topics People & Culture）
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