Resolute Promise
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Resolute Promise
BRINGING HOME THOSE WHO GAVE THE LAST FULL MEASURE OF DEVOTION
 
 

Families.

 
William Belcher at Marine Corps Memorial in Enumclaw

Dr. William Belcher, Resolute Promise’s lead Forensic Anthropologist, reflects at the Marine Corps Memorial honoring the 32 lost service members who remain on the mountain.

THE History

In December 1946 a Curtis Commando C46 crashed into the South Tahoma Glacier on Mount Rainier killing all on board.  The 32 Marines lost in this tragic event continue to be mourned and memorialized. 

The South Tahoma Glacier is one of the most dynamic glaciers in North America.  Moving and melting at a most un-glacial rate of speed.  Due to this rapidly changing environment much of the wreckage has shifted from the glacier into Tahoma Creek. 

The Mission

August 2023 Resolute Promise will conduct a survey of the newly disbursed wreckage in the drainage of the South Tahoma Glacier. 

With the melting of the glacier into Tahoma Creek significant debris has moved downstream, mapping and understanding this movement is important to a number of scientific disciplines but, none more so than the most important group, to the family members of those lost in the tragic crash. This survey will be the beginning of Resolute Promise’s effort to return these lost service members, tell their stories, and bring a final resolution to their lives.

 
Marine Corps memorial at Enumclaw, WA.

Marine Corp Memorial

Stronger United

If you lost a family member on that tragic day, please reach out to Resolute Promise. We would like to speak with you about the mission, learn about these service men’s stories, and create a path for providing communication about our progress.

 
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Family Resources.

 
NARA Logo

The National Archives has many service records some of which are available online or you may submit a request to the archives themselves.   There are also researchers in the neighboring areas of the archives who are willing to search for and document your requested records for a fee. 

DPAA Logo

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Command may have a DNA reference sample already available should they ever recover your loved one. However,  There are resources and instructions for families on how to ensure they have updated information.

DPAA has frequent regional family updates that you may also attend for one on one in person communications about your family’s case.

Ancestry Logo

Ancestry.com has collected and digitized large swaths of documents and made them available to its members.

If you have questions or need assistance, Resolute Promise team members are happy to be of service. 

Frequently asked Questions - Family Resources

  • Families will receive regular email and/or phone updates about mission progress, recovery findings, and scheduling. In-person regional briefings may also be arranged through DPAA contacts.

  • To be involved—whether to share information about your loved one or simply learn more—either submit your information via our “Contact Resolute Promise” link or email service@resolutepromise.com directly.

  • The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Command (DPAA) may already have a DNA reference. We can help coordinate with DPAA to ensure a DNA match is available and help to collect a sample so remains can be positively identified.

  • The National Archives holds military service files, while Ancestry.com provides digitized documentation. We can also help guide you through formal requests or connect you with archival researchers.

  • No. As a public–private nonprofit partner, Resolute Promise does not charge families—just your time and trust. Costs for recovery, travel, and support are managed through our organizational funding and partnerships.

  • We work cooperatively with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Command on all forensic, DNA, and recovery operations, and we fully align with their protocols and family outreach procedures.

  • You’ll hear from one of our team members and in many cases directly from DPAA family support representatives during regional briefings.