Lieutenant Robert Thorpe, US Army Air Corps, a Providence native and Cranston High School grad, was captured and beheaded by the Japanese in 1944. His remains have never been recovered, even though evidence suggests that US authorities have known where he was buried since 1947.

“We are honoring the memory of Lt. Thorpe on behalf of all air crew members still missing in action from all wars,” said Lennon. “Our recognition of Lt. Thorpe will be symbolic. He is a visible, identifiable Rhode Islander, with local family members who still seek closure. If our action lights a fire under the authorities responsible for bringing Thorpe and our other MIAs home, it will be well worth it.”

The citation will be accepted by his brother, Gill Thorpe of North Kingstown.

Financial sponsors of this year’s induction dinner include Lockheed-Martin Information Systems; Rhode Island Space Grant Consortium; the USS Saratoga Museum Founda