Michael George Hurschell McPharlin, known as Mike or "Wee Mike" was a P/O on 71 Eagle Squadron RAF. He had joined the RCAF from Hastings, Michigan, and after completing his flying training, he transferred into the Royal Air Force. He named his plane "Wee Ginny." He made many close friends in the Eagles, but when his friends transferred to the newly-commissioned 4th Fighter Group, 334th Squadron, he did not, but instead was assigned to the 339th Fighter Group. Nevertheless, he maintained an ongoing friendship with the 334th and was frequently loaned to and flew on missions with his 334th buddies.

On 19 August 1942, he had to bail out over Dieppe but fortunately was returned to his squadron. On 6 June 1944, flying with his friends of 334th Squadron, in P-51B 42-106909 6N-Z 'Wee Ginny,' he was not so lucky. He reported that his left magneto was out, and he was heading for home nursing his rough engine. He was never heard from again. He had 6.5 enemy aircraft to his credit.

Major McPharlin is now buried in the Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-Sur-Mer, France.

Source of information: www.abmc.gov, www.americanairmuseum.com
Source of photo: www.americanairmuseum.com