CBS NEWS – EAST BAY NEWS:
By Brian Hackney, Molly McCrea
Updated on: May 25, 2025 / 3:44 PM PDT / CBS San Francisco
More than 81 years after his plane was shot down during WWII, and proclaimed lost forever, the remains of San Francisco Bay Area native 2nd Lt. Thomas Kelly were found, positively identified, and are now finally home for burial on Memorial Day.
Now, another cherished part of the Livermore airman’s legacy — believed lost forever — is finally back in the arms of his extended family.
After his parents received the news that their son was lost in action, his father did something remarkable to honor his son.
“He put a flagpole out in the front yard, and he raised a flag every day and took it down every night,” recounted Sandy Althaus.
Althaus is the late Kelly’s first cousin.