“Susie-Q” Runs Down the Red Castle: Remembering Oregon connections to 1st Lt. James P. Muri at the Battle of Midway

Pictured here shortly after the Battle of Midway back in Hawaii are most of the crew of the U.S. Army Air Forces Martin B-26 Marauder, serial # 40-1391, “Susie-Q” from the 18th Reconnaissance Squadron (Medium), 22nd Bomb Group, which made a torpedo attack against Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft carrier Akagi on June 4, 1942 during the Battle of Midway. The B-26 Marauder in the background is not “Susie-Q.” Standing left to right are Gunner CPL Frank L. Melo, Jr. with hands on hips and bandage on left temple, and (probably) Navigator, Lt. William W. Moore. Kneeling, from left to right are (probably) Bombardier Lt. Russell Johnson, Pilot Lt. James P. Muri, Co-pilot Lt. Pren L. Moore, and sitting, Gunner S/SGT. John J. Gogoj. Absent is Gunner PFC Earl D. Ashley, who was in hospital and nearly a year in recuperation from his wounds after Midway. (U.S. Army Air Forces photo USAF 22850 AC via Naval History and Heritage Command)