Lt. Harry J. Murphy Lost January 8,1942

[Martin Gleeson]

Really interesting thread. For years before my involvement with the EAGLES OVER EUROPE project among other things I researched the early history of the 82nd FG, up to May 1943. I tried to establish a list of all the pilots who flew to North Africa in December 1942 and eventually reached 77 (including those lost on the way), but I have never seen the name Harry J. Murphy. Great find, because the first three months in North Africa are a nightmare to work on due to loss of original documentation or lack of access to surviving files.

Over the years I have had very few dealings with NARA, mainly because I have no idea what they have. Is it fair to ask what document or type of file you found his name in ?

I would vary with Frank though on the 82nd FG losses on page 243 insofar as all four losses appear to have occurred on separate missions. The Group flew between four and six missions that day with 59 sorties (possibly only 51 effective). This comes from a statistical report by the Group for January 1943 ('SCU Form 34 Supplement).

Regards,

Martin Gleeson.