Red Morgan MOH

[Jack Cook]

FO John "Red " Morgan 326th BS 92nd BG receives the MOH from L/G Eaker. Not bad for a guy who was classified 4-F.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty, while participating on a bombing mission over enemy-occupied continental Europe, 28 July 1943. Prior to reaching the German coast on the way to the target, the B17 aircraft in which FO Morgan was serving as co-pilot was attacked by a large force of enemy fighters, during which the oxygen system to the tail, waist, and radio gun positions was knocked out. A frontal attack placed a cannon shell through the windshield, totally shattering it, and the pilot's skull was split open by a .303 caliber shell, leaving him in a crazed condition. The pilot fell over the steering wheel, tightly clamping his arms around it. FO Morgan at once grasped the controls from his side and, by sheer strength, pulled the aircraft back into formation despite the frantic struggles of the semiconscious pilot. The interphone had been destroyed, rendering it impossible to call for help. At this time the top turret gunner fell to the floor and down through the hatch with his arm shot off at the shoulder and a gaping wound in his side. The waist, tail, and radio gunners had lost consciousness from lack of oxygen and, hearing no fire from their guns, the copilot believed they had bailed out. The wounded pilot still offered desperate resistance in his crazed attempts to fly the aircraft. There remained the prospect of flying to and over the target and back to a friendly base wholly unassisted. In the face of this desperate situation, Flight Officer Morgan made his decision to continue the flight and protect any members of the crew who might still be in the ship and for 2 hours he flew in formation with one hand at the controls and the other holding off the struggling pilot before the navigator entered the steering compartment and relieved the situation. The miraculous and heroic performance of FO Morgan on this occasion resulted in the successful completion of a vital bombing mission and the safe return of his aircraft and crew.

[PinecastleAAF]

Was this action the inspriation for the character Jesse Bishop in 12 O'Clock High?

.

[Jack Cook]

Yes!
What isn't mentioned much is that when Morgan was shot down over Berlin his B-17 exploded and he was blown clear
holding his chute and was able to hook it to his harness and use it just before he hit the ground!!!

[Starduster77]

Wow he was lucky too.Are those RAF wings on his right chest pocket?
What made him classified 4-F
Rick

[ZeamerB17]

That's a bona-fide red-blooded American fighting man there!

Great pic, Jack - Thanks!

[Wheels up]

Who was shootin' at 'em with a .303?

[Jack Cook]

He broke his neck while drilling for oil!

[TOM WALSH]

Those are RCAF Wings. He never told the Canadian Recruiters he had broken hie neck in an accident!

Cheers

Tom Walsh