Joseph R. “Joe” Martin Sr. was born on May 12, 1919, in New Jersey. He was married to Juanita Martin. He served in the 510th Bomber Squadron, 351st Bomb Group, Heavy, as a Second Lieutenant and Bombardier of B-17 #42-31763 nicknamed ''Ten Horsepower'' during World War II.

On February 20, 1944, the opening day of “Big Week” (Operation Argument), the B-17G Ten Horsepower departed RAF Polebrook for a deep-penetration mission to Leipzig. Over the target area, the bomber came under heavy attack from enemy fighters. A 20 mm burst killed the co-pilot, left the pilot gravely wounded and unconscious, and injured the radio operator, while the aircraft itself suffered severe structural damage. Even so, the crew managed to stabilize the Fortress and turn it back toward England. Once over home territory, the surviving crew members were ordered to bail out. The Navigator and Flight Engineer, however, chose to remain aboard with the stricken pilot and attempt a landing. Despite orders to abandon the effort, they refused to leave him behind. After two failed approaches, Ten Horsepower crashed on its third attempt near Polebrook, killing all three aboard.

2Lt Martin successfully bailed out and was taken as a prisoner of war. He was held at Stalag Luft 1 in Barth-Vogelsang, Prussia. After being freed, he returned to duty and ended his military service as a Captain. After his military service, he settled in Texas, where he owned and operated Martin Mortgage Company in Houston before moving to Galveston in 1972 to run a bait and tackle business at the Galveston Yacht Basin. He was also a dedicated member of Galveston Elks Lodge #126 for 24 years. He died on April 28, 2004, and is now buried in the Houston National Cemetery, Houston, Harris County, Texas, USA.

Distinguished Flying Cross Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Joseph R. Martin, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Captain Martin distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of a lift helicopter during an escort mission. Captain Martin encountered heavy automatic weapons fire near Thoi Binh. In spite of adverse weather conditions and lack of navigational aids, Captain Martin chose to continue the mission at low level. En route, Captain Martin’s pilot was critically wounded in the chest, only retaining consciousness long enough to secure his shoulder harness. Although wounded himself, Captain Martin remained calm, executing low level evasive maneuvers expertly and making all necessary emergency calls directing gunships to the area in which he was soon forced to land. Captain martin then supervised the care of the wounded. He remained on the aircraft exposed to enemy observation and directed the medical evacuation helicopter in to pick up the other wounded personnel. Captain Martin continued to coordinate the evacuation of all his passengers and remained with his ship until it was recovered. Captain Martin’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, valor.militarytimes.com, www.thisdayinaviation.com