Lost for Decades, WWII Airmen Finally Return Home After Bomber's Tragic Pacific Crash
Wappingers Falls, NY – After an agonizing wait spanning nearly eight decades, the remains of four American airmen who perished in a tragic World War II bombing mission are finally being returned to their families. The airmen were lost when the B-25 Mitchell bomber, nicknamed “Heaven Can Wait,” was struck by enemy fire during a mission off the coast of New Guinea on March 11, 1944.
The story of “Heaven Can Wait” is one of immense bravery and heartbreaking loss. On that fateful day, the bomber, along with its crew of 11, was engaged in a vital operation over the Pacific theater. Despite the intense enemy fire, the co-pilot, in a final act of defiance and respect, managed to offer a salute to the remaining flyers before the aircraft went down. The wreckage was never definitively located, and all 11 crew members were declared missing and presumed dead.
For years, the families of these brave heroes held onto a sliver of hope, clinging to the possibility that their loved ones might one day be accounted for. The efforts of the Defense POW/ MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) have finally brought that possibility to fruition. Through painstaking research, advanced forensic technology, and unwavering dedication, the DPAA was able to identify the remains of the four airmen.
The identification process was incredibly complex. Remains recovered from a remote location in New Guinea were analyzed using DNA technology, dental records, and historical documentation. This rigorous process allowed investigators to positively match the remains to the missing airmen, bringing closure to their families after so many years of uncertainty.
The four airmen being returned home are:
- Second Lt. Robert E. Mortland, of Enderlin, North Dakota
- Second Lt. William J. Lynch, of New Rochelle, New York
- Sgt. Ernest E. Jasionek, of Hamtramck, Michigan
- Sgt. Richard L. Hill, of Long Beach, California
Funeral services and interments are being coordinated with the families, allowing them to finally lay their loved ones to rest in their hometowns. This return represents more than just the recovery of remains; it's a testament to the enduring commitment to honoring the sacrifices of those who served in World War II. It underscores the dedication of the DPAA to fulfilling its mission of accounting for all missing personnel.
The story of “Heaven Can Wait” and the return of these four airmen serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of never forgetting the bravery and sacrifices of those who fought to protect freedom. It also highlights the remarkable advancements in forensic science that continue to bring closure to families and honor the memory of fallen heroes, even decades after their loss.
The DPAA continues its tireless work, searching for and identifying the remains of thousands of missing service members from past conflicts, ensuring that no one is left forgotten.