Five Iowa Fliers Given DFC Award
WASHINGTON, D. C. (AP) – Five Iowa fliers, members of the 9th air force, have been awarded the distinguished flying cross for participation in 25 combat missions against the coast of France, the war department announced Friday.
They were Lt. Col. Thomas M. Seymour, Dubuque [Dubuque Co.]; Lt. Dwight W. Edwards, Ottumwa [Wapello Co.]; Lt. John R. Martin, Osage [Mitchell Co.]; 2nd Lt. Evan R. Bruner, Des Moines [Polk Co.]; and S. Sgt. Rue J. Farnum, Sumner [Bremer Co.].
Source: The Council Bluffs Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Friday, March 31, 1944, Page 2
John Ralph Martin was born Mar. 24, 1921 to Walter W. and Miriam Hall Martin. He died Aug. 31, 1997 and is buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Salt Lake City, UT.
1st Lt. Martin served with the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II. He was a bomber pilot and shot down over occupied France. He was protected by the French underground until he was liberated by the British.
Source: ancestry.com
