In late September 2021, I received an order for two books over the phone here in Tulsa. The woman identified herself as Susan and told me she needed a book for both herself and her brother. She lived close and I asked if we could meet at a nearby location and she agreed. As I handed her the books, she smiled and handed me an envelope. The contents of the envelope revealed information and pictures of her dad and his B-24 crew. I informed her that I would include him on the website along with others who came through with their stories to keep the book alive.

Let me introduce you to Jack Leonard Murphy, Captain B-24 Liberator.

Jack entered the Army Air Corp in 1943 and was trained as a B-24 ‘Liberator’ pilot. During the fall of 1944, Jack shipped out for the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater. Stationed with the 464^thBombardment Group, 15^th Air Force in Southern Italy, they flew missions into Germany and Europe. Jack and his 9 crewmembers were forced to crash-land in Northern Italy which was enemy occupied. They evaded the Germans and were hidden by the Italian Partisans for eight weeks. Murphy developed a lifelong case of claustrophobia from hiding in small, cramped places while the Germans searched for the downed crewmembers. After eight weeks, they were all repatriated safely by Allied Forces.

Jack Murphy was awarded the Air Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1945 with the rank of Captain and issued the Honorable Service Lapel Button.