Remembering 1st Lt. Herbert G. Tennyson: A WWII Pilot's Journey Home After Eight Decades

U.S. Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Herbert G. Tennyson was 24 when he flew a B-24 Liberator named Heaven Can Wait on a mission to bomb enemy positions in Papua, New Guinea.

In the annals of World War II history, countless stories of bravery and sacrifice have been recorded, yet many heroes remained unidentified for decades. One such hero, 1st Lt. Herbert G. Tennyson of Wichita, Kansas, has finally been accounted for nearly 80 years after his aircraft was lost in the Pacific Theater. This article delves into Tennyson's life, his service during the war, the circumstances of his disappearance, and the relentless efforts that led to his identification and return home.​

Early Life and Family Background

Herbert Gustavus Tennyson was born in 1919 in Wichita, Kansas. He was one of four siblings, with a brother named Horace W. Tennyson and two other siblings. The Tennyson family resided in Wichita during the 1930s, where Herbert spent his formative years. ​

Military Service and The Fateful Mission

During World War II, Tennyson served as a First Lieutenant and pilot in the 320th Bombardment Squadron, 90th Bombardment Group, 5th Air Force. On March 11, 1944, he piloted a B-24D "Liberator" nicknamed "Heaven Can Wait," departing from Nadzab Strip #1 in present-day Papua New Guinea.

The mission targeted enemy positions at Boram Airfield and Awar Point in Hansa Bay, along New Guinea's northern coast. Tragically, during the mission, observers reported seeing flames erupting from the bomb bay of "Heaven Can Wait," rapidly engulfing the tail section.

The aircraft pitched violently before banking left and crashing into the waters below. It was believed that anti-aircraft fire had detonated un-dropped ordnance, leading to the catastrophic explosion. Despite immediate search efforts by accompanying aircraft, no survivors were spotted. ​

B-24D Liberator “Heaven Can Wait” (U. S. Air Force courtesy photo)

Post-War Recovery Efforts

In the aftermath of World War II, the American Graves Registration Service (AGRS) conducted exhaustive searches of battle areas and crash sites in New Guinea but were unable to locate the remains of Tennyson and his crew. By late 1948, their efforts had been unsuccessful, and in March 1950, a board of AGRS officials concluded that the crew of "Heaven Can Wait" was non-recoverable. ​

Renewed Hope Through Family and Research Initiatives

Decades later, between 2013 and 2017, the family of 2nd Lt. Thomas Kelly, the bombardier of "Heaven Can Wait," reignited the search. They undertook dedicated archival research, gathering historical documents and eyewitness accounts related to the aircraft's loss.

Collaborating with Dr. Scott Althaus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, they amassed valuable information that would prove instrumental in the renewed search efforts. ​

Discovery and Recovery

In October 2017, Project Recover, a partner organization of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), located the wreckage of a B-24 aircraft in Hansa Bay during sonar scans as part of a remote sensing survey. This discovery marked a significant breakthrough in the decades-long mystery surrounding "Heaven Can Wait." In 2019, a DPAA underwater investigation team conducted several surveys of the site, performing visual inspections and clearing unexploded ordnance.

From March 9 through April 13, 2023, an underwater recovery team excavated the crash site, recovering possible osseous materials, life support equipment, and identification tags. These findings were sent to the DPAA Laboratory for analysis. ​

Identification and Return

To identify Tennyson's remains, scientists from the DPAA employed dental and anthropological analyses, as well as material and circumstantial evidence. Additionally, experts from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System conducted mitochondrial DNA analysis. These comprehensive efforts culminated in the positive identification of 1st Lt. Herbert G. Tennyson on September 25, 2024. ​

Tennyson is at least the fourth crewmember of "Heaven Can Wait" to be positively identified by the U.S. military. Just last month, the DPAA announced the identification of another crew member, highlighting the ongoing commitment to accounting for those lost in service to their country. ​

A Hero's Homecoming

With his identification confirmed, plans have been made to return 1st Lt. Tennyson to his hometown. He is scheduled to be buried in Wichita, Kansas, on a date yet to be determined. This homecoming serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by service members and the enduring commitment to bringing them home. ​

Conclusion

The story of 1st Lt. Herbert G. Tennyson exemplifies the courage and dedication of countless service members who risked and gave their lives during World War II. His posthumous journey from the depths of the Pacific back to his hometown underscores the relentless efforts of families, researchers, and military organizations committed to honoring and remembering those who served. As Tennyson is laid to rest in Kansas, his legacy, along with that of his fellow crew members, will continue to inspire future generations.

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