SukritiFound But Not Recovered
After 9 attempts they were finally able to unearth a plane tire and some other metal scrap that might be of Harold’s aircraft. Without waiting for even a moment, Judy sent this information to the military officials and that’s where things started gaining momentum again. For more than 7 years, Judy didn’t receive any response from the Department of Defense.
Mixed Messages
In 2013, the Department of Defense finally shared some details with Judy, they told her that they need to conduct an environmental impact study before looking for Harold’s remains. They said that it could only be done in 2014 and Judy again waited for one year.
Still Waiting…
Two years passed just like that and this time Judy reached out to their senator and state representative. They told her that the study is still going on and it will take 2 months for it to be finally over. Now, she was losing patience.
Sharing Her Story
All Judy wanted was to fulfill her father and grandparents’ wish and she was determined to tell the world about what has been going on and how they were being treated. It was after their story was published in The Tennessean that the authorities ran into action.
Finally Retrieved
In August 2016, a team finally reached the site by helicopter and dug out Harold’s remains, his Navy Pilot Wings and his wedding ring, that was from his short-lived wedding before his plane crashed. As soon as Judy got the news, she went to meet her father, Jim.
Long Awaited News
“She said, you better sit down, She said I got some good news. I just said, ‘Well. I didn’t think it would ever happen.’” Jim said. After 73 years of his death, Harold DeMoss’ remains were finally on its way to home.