It is with great honor that we report that another missing-in-action service member is returning home to his family, community, and country. Project Recover was vital in bringing LT Jay R. Manown home after being Missing in Action for more than 75 years. 

The crew, Anthony DiPetta (ordnanceman), Jay Manown (pilot), and Wilbur Mitts (radioman), have all returned home.

This homecoming is special to us because Project Recover led every aspect of the greater mission of research, search and location, documentation, and recovery of Manown and his crew mates, Anthony Di Petta and Wilbur Mitts. Project Recover located the Avenger's crash site in the waters of Palau in 2015. In 2021, we conducted an MIA Recovery Mission on that site, which led to the homecomings of Anthony Di Petta of New Jersey, and Wilbur Mitts of Seaside, California. In 2023, Project Recover returned to the site on another recovery mission, returning home with additional remains, now identified as the pilot, LT Jay Manown. Project Recover is thankful for its partnerships with DPAA, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of Delaware, and Legion Undersea Services for their dedicated efforts to bring the entire crew home. The homecoming of Jay Manown Jr. will officially complete the repatriation of this entire crew.

LT Manown's return home to his family, community, and a grateful Nation is because of you. The number of search, documentation, and recovery missions we conduct on land or sea is a direct result of the contributions we receive from people like you. Thank you.

Together, we are Keeping America's Promise.

With Gratitude,

Derek Abbey, Ph.D.

President/CEO

Project Recover
www.ProjectRecover.org

P.S. We are leading multiple search and recovery missions in 2024. Make your tax-deductible donation today to join us in bringing them home. We can’t do it without you!