World War II Honoree

Russell J. Morgan

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Macomb, Illinois

Honored By

Ms. Mary F. Ewing

Relationship

Sister

April 29, 1940; enlisted in the 123rd Field Artillery, 33rd Infantry Division, Illinois National Guard. Departed January 1942 for the South Pacific and was a member of the Americal Infantry Division, the only U.S. Army division with a name rather than a number. Returned to U.S. March 1943 for pilot training. Graduated February 8, 1944, Douglas Army Air Base, Arizona as twin engine pilot. Departed June 6, 1944, B-24 liberator pilot, for South Pacific. Flew 39 combat missions; 435 combat hours (4 Air Medals). Missions included Balikpapan, Zamboanga, Formosa, Hainan, Hong Kong, Canton, Shanghai, and over Leyte on October 20, 1944, covering the return of General MacArthur. October 1945, assigned various flying and administrative duties in the Air Training Command, Air Logistic Command, Military Air Transport Command, and 5 months as a student at the Army Transportation School. Awarded Command Pilot rating.