April 4, 1970-Something

I'd spent a long day working with my father at his law office on Washington Street in Salem, Massachusetts. By the time we were heading home to Epping, New Hampshire, it was dark and foggy as hell. We usually talked non-stop on the trips down and back from Salem. Sometimes Daddy would sing, making up the words he didn't know. The autumn leaves, they stop and flicker. Or he'd sing songs he made up himself. As I walked through the barroom door, I saw some blood upon the floor. I wish I could remember the rest. I know there was something about a young man and the barrel of a 45 and maybe whiskey, which was kind of funny considering he never drank. I guess I shouldn't say never. He'd have a beer now and then, or he'd get my mother to make him a hot buttered rum toddy if he was rereading Treasure Island, which he did every couple of years.

Dad in Beverly

Anyway, we were both quiet that night. I was so tired I could have fallen dead asleep. Without any kind of introductory statement (like Gee, this sure reminds me of another foggy ride.) Daddy started talking mid-way up 107, the road that would eventually kill him. I remember his first words verbatim. April 4, 1944. The rest of his story went something like this. We were flying back from a mission and couldn't see a thing in the fog. The plane crashed as we landed and skidded off the runway into a swamp. A fuel slick spread out around the plane and caught fire. The water was burning. I wasn't wearing a seat belt, and was the only one who made it out. The pilot was dead, and the radio gunner was unconscious. He was strapped in by that damn seat belt and I couldn't get it unbuckled. I could see guys in asbestos suits standing on the side of the runway and I yelled for them to come help, but they just stood there. I finally got the buckle undone, and dragged the radio gunner through the burning water. The flames were climbing up my pants like a stovepipe. The last thing I remember thinking before I passed out was, Next time you fly, tuck your pants in your boots.

I'd never heard that story before. It was the one and only time Daddy ever recounted anything substantial to me about his experiences during World War II. After his tale of terror, Daddy seemed to consciously bring himself back to the present. (I know that sounds melodramatic, but he really was in another place that night.) Daddy went on to talk about the dangers of wearing seat belts, which was kind of funny, considering not wearing a seat belt probably helped kill him in 1980. (Seriously, how many parents actively discourage the use of seat belts?) As we hurtled through the fog on our way home that night, I asked questions about the crash. I don't remember specifics, but I do remember Daddy giving rather vague answers and changing the conversation. If I heard that story for the first time today, I'm sure my reaction would be, You were only 20-years old. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.

Today I was organizing a closet and decided to go through a strong box that had been on the shelf for years. I found three cardboard envelopes -- one labeled Crash Affidavits, another labeled Hearing Affidavits, and the third labeled Eyesight Affidavits. They were stuffed with testimonials about events that occurred while Daddy was in the Marines. He probably collected them to secure his Veterans Benefits. As I read through these aging missives, my mind shot back to that foggy ride up 107. I know we all didn't get to hear these stories directly from Daddy. I figured I'd post the affidavits and letters here. It's the closest we'll ever get to a firsthand account. You'll learn about his plane crash in 1944, an accident with a slick bomb in 1943, and the cumulative effects the noise he experienced as a turret gunner had on his hearing.

Let's start with Crash Affidavits.

Crash Affidavits Posted 12-28-11

4 March 1946

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

On 4 April, 1944 at Green Island, B.S.I., I saw a TBF crash into a F6F during a landing on the bomber strip situated on the above island. The turret gunner, James MURPHY, Corporal, USMC, (453159) (proven by entry in flight log) escaped through the turret hatch and helped the bomb bay gunner escape. Both were injured sufficiently to require hospitalization from burns and concussions.

JOHN A. BUZZARD
Captain, USMCR

*****

March 6, 1946

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

On April 6, 1944, at Green Island, while attached to 33rd Naval Construction Battalion, I visited James Murphy at the Acorn No. 10 Base Hospital, where he was recovering from shock and burns and I saw both burns and bandages on his legs and arms.

He received the burns from a Plane Crash of TBF during a landing on April 4, 1944.

Paul Egan

*****

March 14, 1946

To Whom It May Concern:

On April 4, 1944 I saw the TBF in which James Murphy was flying in Green Island crash into two F6Fs. I also saw him get out of the plane which was on fire at the time and escape through the turret hatch. He went around air craft and gained entrance to the plane through the radio compartment and pulled the radio gunner out. James Murphy and the radio gunner were taken to the hospital. (The pilot of the TBF and one of the F6F pilots were burned to death in the crash.)

I visited James Murphy on the following days: April 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 1944. The first day I visited him he didn't know any of his friends because of the shock and burns he received from the crash. His legs and arms were severely burned from the burning aircraft.

Bob D. Sutton

*****

March 23, 1946

To Whom It May Concern:

On April 4, 1944, James Murphy and I were acting as the crew aboard a TBF in Squadron 134 based on Green Island. In the process of landing while returning from a mission, we had a head on collision with two F6F fighter planes. Our plane and one F6F burst into flames. Lt. Glidden, pilot of our plane, and one F6F pilot burned to death. James and I were taken to Acorn #10 Hospital and placed in adjoining beds. For quite some time James kept yelling and cursing and calling for Lt. Glidden and me.

It wasn't until the following day that he calmed down. He then told hospital attendants that he couldn't see, but after a time regained his sight. James wasn't himself for a couple of days in that he didn't seem to know any of his friends. His face, arms, and legs were severely burned.

Doctors attending us were Lt. R. J. Kressler, squadron doctor, and Lt. Commander J. P. Fabian.

Joseph L. Solane

*****

April 16, 1946

Mr Dear Mr. Murphy:

I am directed by the Commandant of the Marine Corps to inform you that you are entitled to the Purple Heart in the name of the President and by direction of the Secretary of the Navy for burns sustained in action against an enemy of the United States on 4 April 1944, while a member of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve. The medal is being forwarded to you under separate cover this date.

You are also entitled to the American Campaign Medal for one year's service in the United States during World War II; the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze star for your service in the Asiatic-Pacific Area, and the Victory Medal for World War II. The medals will be forwarded to you when available. In the event you change your address, please notify this office.

Sincerely yours,
 A.E. O'NEIL,
Colonel, U. S. Marine Corps

*****

Sept. 24, 1947

To whom it may concern:

On April 4, 1944 while based at Green Island in the Nissan Group, South West Pacific area, and attached to Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron 134 in the capacity of a turret gunner, I, Thomas E. Mullen formerly technical sergeant, service serial 438997 U.S.M.C.R. had been notified of a dental appointment at our medical center, while at the center I heard a terrific crash. Five minutes later the two injured men were brought to the dispensary. Mr. James Murphy was the second one brought into the first aid tent, and I personally observed Mr. Murphy's injuries. He had been badly burned about the face, arms and legs in his task of saving the life of his radioman Mr. Solame.

In the following weeks I observed Mr. Murphy being treated for his burns a the dispensary, as I myself had had a previous injury and we were both under treatment at the same time.

Thomas E. Mullen

*****

September 30, 1947

On April 4, 1944, on Green Island, James Murphy, turret gunner of a TBF, crashed into two F6Fs. The pilot was killed and the radio gunner was unconscious. James Murphy climbed out of the turret escape hatch, climbed out on the wing and took a look at the pilot and then went around the tail and pulled out the radio gunner.

The radio gunner was severely burned and James Murphy suffered burns on the arms, the legs and the face.

I, the undersigned, hereby swear that the above statements are to the best of my knowledge.

John F. Dumelle

*****

October 3, 1947

To Whom It May Concern:

This is being written at the request of a buddy of mine, who was in the same outfit as I, and who now needs help.

On the morning of April 4, 1944 I was ordered to duty involving the search for a PBJ medium bomber. The plane had been disabled and was forced down. There were known survivors, and our squadron was ordered to search for them. The weather conditions were bad: hazy, foggy and visibility was zero. One could hardly see the wingtips of their own plane. After the search was over, we started the return to the base and since most of the area was clouded to the extent that visibility was impossible, planes arrived at our base, Green Island, St. Mathais Group in whatever order they found it.

I had just landed when we became aware of an accident, which proved fatal to the pilot of the plane, a Lt. Glidden. Two F6Fs had figured in the collision, one of them head on with the Avenger in which Cpl. James Murphy was turret gunner and Cpl. J.K. Solane was radioman. Naturally everyone ran to the scene of the crack-up. Murphy made his escape via the emergency hatch, and then ran around to the door of the radio compartment and pulled the unconscious Solane from the blazing wreckage. Both were burned badly from the flames on the clothing of Solane who had lain in the oil and fuel that was afire. Both were then hospitalized.

It is the opinion, I believe, of everyone who saw the rescue, that Murphy saved the life of Solane, although Lt. Glidden never had a chance to escape. Both men Murphy and Solane were invalids for some time, being bandaged and unfit for some time. After a while both returned to the outfit as far as I know. James Murphy was on that search flight as ordered.

Cpl. James Murphy, while attached to VMTB-134, MAG-11, 1st MAW, was in the following engagements:
1-Consolidation of the Solomons
2-Attack Jap positions on Bougainville
3-Bismarck Archipelago Operation
4-Defense of Piva Yoke (2nd Battle of Torokina)
Also in Hellzapoppin Ridge, Kavieng, Rabaul, as well as the airfields in the New Ireland and New Britain area. Assisted Infantry operation by air support.

I hereby give Cpl. James Murphy permission to use any papers, documents or certificates belonging to me for proving his point, whatever it may be. I swear or affirm all the aforegoing is true to the very best of my knowledge.

Emil E. Schmitt

*****

October 20, 1947

I certify that on April 4, 1944, on Green Island in the northern Solomons Group, South Pacific, James Murphy was injured by burning gasoline which resulted from a crash on landing. At this time, it is of my opinion that said James Murphy acted in a heroic manner in rescuing his fellow Radio Gunner, Solane, from the burning plane. His injuries extended to his hands, face, eyes and legs as well as great shock and bruises.

Chester A. Culbert

*****

November 18, 1947

Affidavit:

I, James M. Justice, do solemnly swear that the following facts are true to the best of my knowledge. While operating on Green Island with Squadron V.M.T.B. 134 participating on strikes on New Britain operating from Bougainville and Green Island I was an observer of the accident on landing strip in which James Murphy received shock and severe burns. I had just landed and was on the taxi strip, when two planes came together. There was a loud crash, and both planes burst into flame. We parked and ran to the accident. James Murphy had gotten out of his turret and was pulling his unconscious radio man from the burning plane. The were both rushed to the hospital, where they were treated for shock and severe burns about the arms and legs. (The pilots of both planes were killed.)

I hereby swear these statements to be true.

James M. Justice

*****

September 22, 1947

To whom it may concern:

On April 4, 1944 on Green Island, a torpedo bomber from the squadron I was attached to (VMTB-134) was involved in an accident with two F6F fighter planes attached to the First Marine Air Wing. The crew in the torpedo bomber was Lt. Miles Glidden, pilot, who was killed in the crash, P.F.C. Solane, radio gunner, and P.F.C. James Murphy, turret gunner. Solane received burns on his legs. Murphy received burns on his legs, face, and arms. One fighter pilot was killed and the other was injured; I do not know to what extent.

To the best of my knowledge this is how the accident happened. Our TBF was returning from a search mission. Lt. Glidden circled the field waiting for a green light to land. Visibility was poor due to fog. Lt. Glidden received a green light and evidently the fighter planes received the same green light. Lt. Glidden came in to land at one end of the field and the fighter planes came in at the other end of the field, both at the same time. They could not see each other because of the fog. The wheels of the TBF had just touched when it hit one F6F, knocking its wing off and then hit another F6F head-on. The impact from the planes hitting head on at landing speed was very terrific and was accompanied by gas explosion which resulted in fire. Fire enveloped the two planes and caused the ammunition to explode. Lt. Glidden was burned to death, Solane was knocked unconscious, James Murphy jumped through his safety hatch from the turret. He ran to the other side of the plane and went back into the burning plane to rescue the radio-gunner. Despite the flames Murphy carried Solane to safety.

I saw Murphy when he was released from the hospital. He was burned severely from the crash. He removed part of this bandages and showed me his arms and legs which were blistered and burned terribly. For a long time after his release from the hospital he had to report to sick-bay daily to have his burns dressed.

Sincerely,
Michael F. Dunn

Mom and Dad in Beverly after the war.

Eye Sight Affidavits Posted 12-30-11

On or about October 3, 1943, Daddy was involved in an accident while on a training mission at the Marine Corps Air Station in Santa Barbara. I had no idea. There are only a few related affidavits, but there's enough information to allow us to piece together what happened. This would have been nearly 6 months prior to the Green Island crash.

*****

4 March 1946

To Whom It May Concern:

James MURPHY appeared at this station for physical examination with the intentions of reenlisting in the Marine Corps. The above named man failed to meet the necessary requirements for reenlistment. The reason for failure was due to defective vision. His application and examination show his vision as; Rt. eye, 9/20, Lt. eye 5/20, which is below the minimum requirement of 15/20.

R.D. KENNEDY
Major, USMC
Officer in Charge
United States Marine Corps
Eastern Procurement Division
Headquarters
Induction and Recruiting District of Boston

*****
March 14, 1946

To Whom It May Concern:

James Murphy was blinded by a slickbomb while flying from the Santa Barbara Air Base. The slickbomb dust was the cause of his blindness.

I know he was blinded due to the cause of the slickbomb for a week or more. This accident happened during the month of September or October, 1943.

I visited him several times while he was in the Santa Barbara Base Hospital.

Bob. D. Sutton

*****

September 30, 1947

During the period, between September or October of 1943, James Murphy, while attached to VMTB-134, was blinded for about a week. While he was on a gunnery hop the slick and smoke bombs broke in the radio compartment and he had to throw them out.

I, the undersigned, hereby swear that the above statements are to the best of my knowledge.

John F. Dumelle (392389)

*****

November 14, 1947

Affidavit:

I, James M. Justice swear that the following facts are true to the best of my knowledge. On or near the third (3) of October 1943, James Murphy was temporarily blinded by the breaking of a slick bomb in the radio compartment of his T.B.F. plane while operating in squadron Y.M.T.B. 134. This temporary blindness lasted for about a month. It completely blind [sic] him for three days.

The ingredients of the slick bomb were blown through the entire radio compartment, before he was able to get rid of it. His face, hands, and clothing were covered with the ingredients by the time he returned to the base, where he was sent to the hospital for treatment.

I know these facts to be so because I returned to the base at the same time in the same flight. I also visited him in the hospital.

I hereby swear these facts to be true.

James M. Justice

*****

October 20, 1947

I certify that on or about September or October of the year 1943, the eyes of James Murphy were injured in an accident, wherein a slick bomb was discharged while on a practice bombing mission.

John Kuzma (461438 USMCR)

April 1944 overhead photo of Marine Corps Air Station Santa Barbara

Hearing Affidavits Posted 12-30-11

Not surprisingly, Daddy's long-term extremely close-range exposure to explosive devices during the war left his hearing impaired. Again, he needed documentation in order to secure and maintain Veteran's benefits.

*****

June 24, 1947

Mr. James Murphy
23 Crescent Avenue
Beverly, Massachusetts

Dear Mr. Murphy:

This is to inform you that the Acousticon hearing aid ordered for you on June 16, 1947 has been received in this office. Before it can be delivered to you, it will be necessary for you to report here for a test fitting in the Ear Clinic. Please report directly to the Prosthetic Appliances Sub-Group on the third floor, and bring this letter as your authority.

Enclosed you will find transportation from Beverly to Boston and return for this purpose. It is suggested that, for your own convenience, you report as early in the day as possible and on any day but Saturday.

Yours very truly,
STEPHEN J. DALTON, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer
Veterans Administration
Boston, Massachusetts

*****

June 26, 1947

To whom it may concern:

This is to certify that James Murphy of 27 Crescent Ave., Beverly, Mass., was of sound body before the recent conflict, hereinafter referred to as World War II.

Since we were exceedingly close friends before World War II and attended grammar school and high school together, I had ample opportunity to notice any disabilities he may have had and which the Marine Corps examining physician may have missed. At school (Rial [sic] Side School, Briscoe Junior High School and Beverly High School -- all in Beverly, Mass.) we had periodic eye, ear, nose and throat examinations, and the aforementioned James Murphy and I had friendly arguments over which of us had the finer vision and hearing. More often than not, Jim's better than average eyes and ears would be victorious. This competition lasted until we both entered the Service.

But now we both attend Boston University, the war is past, and the pride we took in our sight and hearing is also of the past, for Jim has lost a good bit of his. There is nothing so obvious as one who has poor vision in a classroom, as he squints from the front row to see what is written on the blackboard. Poor hearing is just as obvious when one has to repeat, in some instances, what an instructor has said so that his best friend may keep up on the lecture.

When you are closely associated with a person, you can give many instances such as these, but these alone should be sufficient to prove the point.

Clifford M Fellows

*****

September 24, 1947

To whom it may concern:

As an air crewman in the same squadron as Mr. Murphy, at the same time, and in the same capacity, that of a turret gunner, I feel qualified in speaking in behalf of Mr. Murphy concerning the placement of the 50 caliber machine gun located in the turret of a Grummen "Avenger" (TBF) torpedo bomber.

The above mentioned machine gun is situated approximately seven inches from the left ear of the turret gunner. The bolt and chamber are even with the head of the operator. It is very possible that a man flying in such an exposed position, subjected to the constant roar of the engine (from which there is no protection) and the added din of the exploding shells could very readily cause deafness.

Broken ear drums were not uncommon in the type of work were [sic] engaged in. When you take into consideration a dive starting at an altitude of anywhere from 17,000 feet to 9,000 feet and diving at an 80 degree angle with accelerated speed up to 390 knots with a pullout at 3,000 feet, deafness both temporary and permanent are very possible.

I myself on more than one occasion have encountered temporary loss of hearing.

Thomas E. Mullen

*****

September 30, 1947

The turret gun on a TBF is set almost even with the left ear. In my opinion when fired, it deafens the turret gunner, and this deafness remains a few moments after the gun has ceased firing.

The changes in altitudes while diving in the TBF did definitely deafen me. The only way I could clear my ears was either to blow my nose or crack my jaws.

In my opinion the accidents in which James Murphy was in could injure his sight and impair his hearing.

James Murphy and I were both turret and radio gunners respectively in Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron 134, (VMTB-134) from September 1943 until July 1944.

I, the undersigned, hereby swear that the above statements are to the best of my knowledge.

John F. Dumelle (392389)

*****

I certify that while in the Marine Corps from September, 1942 to October, 1945, I had much experience in the type of work as James Murphy had while [sic] his service. I say that it is very likely his hearing was affected by his flying. At the time we were sent overseas we were not properly equipped with headgear and since the 50 caliber machine gun rests beside the turret gunner's left ear on a Torpedo Bomber, it is very likely that an exploding cartridge could injure the gunner's ear.

John Kuzma (461438 USMCR)

*****

November 14, 1947

Affidavit:

I, James M. Justice, do solemnly sear that the following statements are true.

I was a turret gunner in squadron V.M.T.B. 134 with James Murphy. We were gunners in a torpedo bomber which participated in strafing, torpedoing and glide bombing runs. These runs involve fast dive and pull outs, which sometimes cause injuries to the ears. These injuries are caused by the change of air pressure in dives and of the roar of the engines and the shooting of the 50 caliber machine gun. This gun is located right beside the left ear. This noise caused your eart to ring for about an hour after the flight.

I was with James Murphy from boot camp until my discharge in October 1945. This includes stateside and overseas duty.

I hereby believe these statements to be true, to the best of my knowlege.

James M. Justice

*****

November 22, 1947

To whom it may concern:

I, Michael F. Dunn, was in the same squadron as James Murphy from June, 1943 to August, 1944. The squadron was VMTB-134. James Murphy and I flew in the same crew in the states and overseas in combat at (1) Consolidation of the Solomons, (2) Bismarck Archipelago Operation, (3) attacks on Jap positions on Bougainville, (4) Defense of Piva Yoke (second battle of Torikina) and also at Hellzapoppin Ridge, Rabaul and airfields in the New Ireland and New Britain area, plus shipping strikes and patrol missions. On all combat missions we were involved in dives starting at altitudes of 18,000 to 9,000 feet at an angle of 70 to 80 degrees with accelerated speeds up to 400 knots with a pull-out starting at 3,000 feet and straightening out to level flight at tree-top heights. This was done so that the enemy's anti-aircraft guns couldn't track our planes effectively.

After a combat mission of this type I found myself unable to hear as I normally could. Other gunners of VMBT-134 said they also experienced periods of temporary deafness after combat missions. I know that the combat missions that James Murphy and I went on together did affect his hearing. I lived with him day and night and I noticed that his hearing was impaired from combat missions. The flight personnel of our squadron were not given periodic flight physcial checkups during our tour of duty overseas.

Sincerely,
Michael F. Dunn

*****

Daddy wrote this note on the outside of the envelope containing the Hearing Affidavits: #7 Concussion slip after hit on back of head by Twin 30's in a dive in a Hell Diver when pilot neglected to inform me and he had knowledge of faulty mechanism in lock of 30's.

I believe this is referencing this memorandum. Green highlighted areas indicate handwritten sections of the form.

Medical Department
U.S. Marine Corps Air Station
El Centro, California

Date: 3-12-4? (I think 45, but the paper separated at the crease, tearing the number.)
Memorandum to Commanding Officer - M.A.G. 42.
Subject: Grounding of Murphy, James (?) Corp. Note: (?) is an initial in parenthesis I can't make out.
1. It is recommend that the subject man be temporarily relieved of duty involving flying.  - until further notice
Remarks: - Complaints of persistent headaches.

Bill Kantola (?) L + (MC) U.S.N.
Flight Surgeon
Dr. Ne?? duty

A copy of a second Memorandum slip from El Centro reads as follows:

3-8-??
MEMORANDUM TO COMMANDING OFFICER
Subject: Grounding of Murphy, J??????????
1. It is recommended that the subject named ???? be temporarily relieved of duty involving flying. For a period of ??????.
Remarks: Concussion
Bill Kan?????
Flight Surgeon

*****

Daddy also had slipped an index card into the Hearing Affidavit envelope that read:

Pelew Island                                                       When skirts are as brief as they wear in Pelew.
Lord North Island

Belt -- Hat -- Fishline -- Cord -- Ear ornaments
bracelets -- Fish hooks -- Triton shell horn -- skirt
dipper -- Adz Dish -- was derswand (That can't be right, but that's what it looks like. Really.)
Capt. Geo. Nichols in 1801. 

Correspondence from Cousin David Johnson

Posted on April 27, 2016

A Few Songs He Loved

Here's one Daddy used to sing all the time. The fact that he didn't know the lyrics never stopped him. My Darling. My Darling. My dibblety dibblety Darling. 

Mom and Dad used to sing this next song when we were little and out for a ride. There'd be a baby on Mom's lap and another between her and Daddy in the front seat. The rest of us would be scattered around the station wagon, and Mom and Dad would send out a plea to Let the Rest of the World Go By.

Daddy wasn't one to let the kids sleep in on the weekends. When he was awake for the day, everybody was awake for the day. And if you weren't, he had a wake-up song he loved to blast on the stereo. Who needs an alarm clock when you have the drums in Song of India?