Navy, Families of 3 Killed in 1946 Plane Crash Clash Over Bringing the Remains Home

The survivors buried the 3 killed under a wingtip and the U.S. Navy considers the site a final resting place like the U.S.S. Arizona's site. The Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command has offered $200,000 to pay for a flight. Personally, I believe the families of the deceased should be allowed to bring them home. During World War II, most of the military men killed overseas were buried overseas. But, I believe there were some that were brought home. Of course, there are over 50,000 military personnel still listed as missing and periodically, some remains are found and brought back to Hawaii for identification. This accident also happened after the war--whether or not this has any bearing, who knows?. .... lakotahope

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Families: Find 3 sailors killed in ‘46 polar crash

SAN ANTONIO — The Navy and families of three sailors killed in a 1946 plane crash in Antarctica are clashing over whether to bring the men home.

Petty Officer 1st Class Fred Williams, Ensign Maxwell Lopez and Petty Officer 1st Class Wendell Hendersin died when their PBM-5 Mariner went down in a storm.

The six survivors wrapped their remains in parachutes and buried them under a piece of the aircraft’s wing tip. The Navy considers the site a final resting place, akin to the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor.

Recovery supporters say glacial movement could cause the site to break off into the sea.

They’re forming a nonprofit to raise money for a recovery effort and want to meet with President Obama. The Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command has offered $200,000 to pay for a flight.

Information from: San Antonio Express-News, www.mysanantonio.com