Murphy John A.

Name:

John A. Murphy

Rank:

First Lieutenant

Serial Number:

O-764399

Unit:

423rd Bomber Squadron, 306th Bomb Group, Heavy

Date of Death:

1944-12-15

State:

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Plot:

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Grave:

Decoration:

DFC, AM 3 OLC, ETO Ribbon w/5 Battle Stars, Army of Occupation Medal with G

Comments:

John A. Murphy served in the 423rd Bomber Squadron, 306th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a First Lieutenant and Co-Pilot of the B-17 #43-38019 "Milk Run Special" during World War II. On December 15, 1944, his plane, on return from Kassel, Germany, was involved in a mid-air collision with #43-37633 due to bad weather and extremely poor visibility over Greenham Common, UK. It is apparent that neither pilot saw the the other aircraft. 1LT Murphy and the pilot were the sole survivors of the collision.

1LT Murphy held the Squadron Operations Officer position for six months. He completed 26 missions from July 7, 1944 to April 10, 1945; 14 missions as copilot, 8 as pilot, and 4 as Sq. Operations Officer. He retired on October 04, 1969.

Source of information: www.americanairmuseum.com