Yesterday, the 3rd Infantry Regiment laid to rest at Arlington 1Lt. John E. Terpning whose B-24 Liberator, Toughy, on May 7, 1944 left the airbase at Nadzab, New Guinea and soon after crashed in the jungle below. Toughy and it’s crew wasn’t found until 1973. Lt Terpning’s earthly remains weren’t identified until this year when DNA testing matched his to his brother, Howard. From Army.mil;
Today, in keeping with the Army’s mandate that no Soldier is left behind, and under full military honors, horse-drawn caisson, escort platoon, casket team, firing party and bugler to play Taps, 1st Lt. John E. Terpning from Mount Prospect, Ill., was repatriated and interred to his final place of rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
Sometimes, it’s a long journey home.
Welcome Home Lt. Terpning. RIP.
It’s good to have him home.
These are the ties that bring tears to my eyes, because I know that the emotions are real, that we will never abandon our own.
I can’t trust my fellow citizens, I cannot trust my own government. The only folks I know I can trust are my fellow veterans. Reading this renews that trust, and reassures me that it isn’t misplaced.
God bless him and his crew. It’s taken awhile, but we haven’t forgotten.
Welcome home lieutenant.
Welcome home and RIP, lieutenant.
Weelcome home, Lt. Terpning. And, thank you, Tim, for putting into words what I feel.
Welcome home, Lieutenant. We thank you.
Welcome home. Thank you.
Welcome Home Lt. Terpning. Welcome home.
Rest in peace in that hallowed ground sir.
4 Bells
“Lt. Terpning, US Army Air Corps, ARRIVING!”
1 Bell
Welcome home, LT. Terpning. RIP, sir.
Brother Howard Terpning’s biography:
http://www.texasartdepot.com/t-terpning_morebio.aspx
Godspeed. Rest in peace.