After a long wait, a WWII hero is finally making the journey back home.
Tech. Sergeant Kenneth J. McKeeman, a Brooklyn native, bravely fought against the Nazis in Europe at the young age of 23. However, he was tragically shot down while serving in the US Army Air Force.
Mike McKeeman, the nephew of the late McKeeman, expressed his gratitude towards the military, stating that those who were close to him and had a hand in raising him are unaware of the current situation.
In March 11, 1944, McKeeman embarked on a B-24 Liberator bomber as a radio operator, along with a team of 10 other crew members, as reported by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA).
The plane took off from San Pancrazio Airfield in Italy, embarking on a mission to bomb the Nazi-controlled Toulon Harbor along France’s Mediterranean coast.
After releasing its payload on targets, the plane faced intense anti-aircraft flak right behind its rear bomb bay. Fellow soldiers who were part of the mission witnessed flames erupting from the Liberator’s waist windows. Shortly after, the aircraft broke apart and descended into the sea.
According to witnesses, there were no deployed parachutes and it is unlikely that anyone on board survived. The crash site near Cape Cépet was documented by German forces who also recovered multiple sets of remains.
The family of Sgt. McKeeman had to organize a funeral service at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury, Connecticut, even though they did not have his body to lay to rest.
In April 1945, the US Army uncovered 25 graves at Toulon’s Lagoubran Cemetery, which were suspected to hold the remains of Allied soldiers. During the examination, they discovered the remains of seven soldiers who were on board McKeeman’s bomber.
Four additional sets of unidentified remains were found in close proximity and were laid to rest at the Rhône American Cemetery in Draguignan, France.
In June 2019, the Department of Defense and the American Battle Monuments Commission exhumed the remains for comparison with unresolved casualties from WWII.
About five or six years ago, officials from the department reached out to McKeeman’s relatives to request a DNA sample, as shared by Mike McKeeman, the brother of the airman. McKeeman provided a sample, but they also required a sample of mitochondrial DNA, which is inherited from the mother’s side.
Caroline LaPorta, the great-niece of Kenneth McKeeman, mentioned that they also obtained a sample from other relatives, including Marianne Laporta. Marianne Laporta happens to be the older half-sister of Kenneth McKeeman’s mother.
After years of speculation, the remains of McKeeman were finally identified on September 18, 2023. This long-awaited news brought a sense of closure to his family, who had been haunted by rumors of his death for decades.
The flag was stolen and defaced outside the nonprofit, leaving many veterans feeling disrespected and violated. This act of vandalism not only dishonors the flag but also undermines the values and principles for which it stands.
One veteran, who wished to remain anonymous, shared his disappointment, stating, “It’s disheartening to see someone show such disregard for our national symbol. The flag represents the sacrifices made by countless individuals to protect our freedoms, and it’s painful to see it treated with such disrespect.”
The nonprofit organization, which provides support and resources for disabled individuals, expressed their disappointment and outrage as well. They emphasized the importance of respecting the American flag and the significance it holds for those who have fought for their country.
The incident has prompted a strong response from the community, with many individuals rallying together to show their support for the nonprofit and the veterans affected by this act of vandalism. Local businesses and organizations have come forward offering to replace the stolen flag and assist in repairing any damage caused.
Law enforcement is actively investigating the incident, and the suspect responsible for the theft and vandalism will be held accountable for their actions. The veteran community is hopeful that justice will be served and that this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the American flag and the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military.
“My mom couldn’t hold back her tears when I shared the news with her. It was a touching moment for me because she rarely mentioned Uncle Ken, and her memories of him were fading,” she shared emotionally.
“When he passed away, I vividly recall the moment. The whole family was informed, and it was a scene filled with grief. I remember my mother and grandmother crying, and everyone was deeply upset. The memory is etched in my mind. So when I shared with her that they had indeed confirmed his identity using her DNA, she couldn’t hold back her tears and burst into sobs,” she emotionally reminisced.
During the fall, the Army and DPAA representatives held a three-hour meeting with the family, where they provided a comprehensive account of the circumstances surrounding the young sergeant’s death. They also explained the scientific procedures involved in matching his remains to their DNA. The family has been deeply moved by this entire process.
Mike McKeeman reflected on the sacrifice made by his father and the countless others who lost their lives in the conflict. While he was born seven years after his father’s death, he still felt a deep sadness, although not comparable to losing a parent. He acknowledged the profound impact and sacrifice of the approximately 400,000 individuals killed in that conflict.
“He was only 23 years old when he passed away, never having the opportunity to start a family or experience the joy of having children and grandchildren. He made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and we are forever grateful for his bravery and dedication,” he expressed solemnly.
Having personally experienced the loss of a child, LaPorta was deeply touched as she contemplated the immense grief her relatives must have felt for their departed loved one.
“It really struck a chord with me because I have experienced the pain of losing a son. My own son passed away when he was just 19 years old. So, when I heard about Uncle Ken and they confirmed his identity, it reminded me that even though it happened 80 years ago and I never knew him personally, he was still someone’s son and beloved by people I care about,” she shared with The Post.
“And to imagine that they didn’t possess his remains, they were unaware of his whereabouts, they couldn’t even give him a proper burial, they couldn’t even pay tribute to him beyond a mass. All they had was a flag.”
“It brings tears to my eyes to think that, after 80 years, he will finally come home and receive the honor he deserves,” LaPorta expressed emotionally.
Sergeant McKeeman has been honored and his name is now inscribed on the Walls of the Missing at Rhône American Cemetery in France. Alongside others who are still missing from World War II, a rosette will be placed next to his name to signify that he has been accounted for, according to the DPAA.
On June 7, the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, Connecticut will be the final resting place for him. With military honors, his burial will be held. Arriving at Bradley airport in Hartford, his remains will be flown in and his family has been extended an invitation to receive them on the tarmac, as shared by Mike McKeeman.
The military has prepared a casket and a complete uniform adorned with all of his medals. Plans are underway for a religious service to be held later this year.
LaPorta expressed her conviction that there would be a significant turnout at the service in June. She emphasized the importance of the event and the collective desire to pay tribute to him.
Mike McKeeman recalled that his father, William, who had served in the Navy during World War II, was not very talkative when it came to discussing his brother who lost his life in the war.
According to the speaker, they were always aware of Uncle Ken’s situation. They knew that he had been shot down and was considered missing in action. The assumption was that he would likely never be found.
Sergeant McKeeman hails from Connecticut, but his life took a turn when he lost both his parents at the tender age of 13 or 14. Following this tragic event, he found a new home in Brooklyn, under the care of one of his older half-brothers.
At the age of 18 in 1842, despite not completing high school due to familial financial responsibilities, he willingly enlisted for service.
Before he deployed to Europe, he got married to his wife, Dolores, during his furlough period.
His nephew remarked that it was likely the last time she laid eyes on him.
