Colonel Robert L. Morrissey
U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF)
Background
Robert L. Morrissey was born December 7, 1916 to parents Mr. and Mrs. Morrissey in Tecumseh, Nebraska. Nicknamed "Bob". Prewar, Morrissey enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) earned his wings and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant serial number O-373856. Later, promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
Wartime History
On December 24, 1941 became the Commanding Officer (C.O.) of 7th Fighter Squadron (7th FS) and was promoted to the rank of Captain. On January 4, 1942 sent oversea to Australia. On February 2, 1942 arrives Melbourne. During February 1942 led a detachment of P-40E Warhawks to Horn Island Airfield.
On March 14, 1942 in the morning took off from Horn Island Airfield on a patrol and returned by 11:30am. After receiving a call to scramble, Captain Morrissey ordered his pilots: "Take off together. Stay together. Don't wander from your wingman. Take off to the northwest and make a left climbing turn at full power. Form up on me." At 11:45am took off again from Horn Island Airfield piloting a P-40E Warhawk leading four P-40 Warhawks on a mission to intercept G4M1 Bettys escorted by Zeros on a bombing mission against Horn Island. During the dog fight, Morrissey shot down A6M2 Zero 4443 pilot Lt(jg) Iwasaki with his gunfire "shooting off his left wing". Next, A6M2 Zero pilot Oishi opened fire on Morrissey. Coming to his rescue, P-40E "Poopy" pilot Lt. A. T. House found his machine guns inoperative and spontaneously he decided to ram the enemy fighter. On impact, the Zero explodes and spirals into the ocean. Lt. House's plane sustained damaged but he managed to land at Horn Island Airfield after three landing attempts. For his efforts, Morrissey earned the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) on September 12, 1942.
By 1944, promoted to the rank of Colonel and became the Commanding Officers (C.O.) of the 49th Fighter Group (49th FG).
On April 24, 1944 took off piloting P-38J with P-38J piloted by General Paul B. Wurtsmith and were the first American planes to land at newly liberated and repaired Tadji Airfield.
On April 24, 1944 took off from Nadzab Airfield piloting P-38J "Marge" 42-104380 with P-38J Lightning 42-104004 piloted by Brigadier General Paul B. Wurtsmith and were the first American planes to land at newly captured and repaired Tadji Airfield.
During June 1944, he
briefed Charles A. Lindbergh about how to fly the P-38 Lightning at the start of his second tour in South West Pacific Area (SWPA).
Later, assigned to 5th Fighter Command (V Fighter Command) and continued flying combat missions in the Philippines.
On October 27, 1944 claimed an aerial victory.
On December 7, 1944 claimed an aerial victory.
Aerial Victory Claims
Morrissey was officially credited with three aerial victories between March 14, 1942 to December 7, 1944.
Awards
Morrissey earned the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) for March 14, 1942.
Memorials
Morrissey passed away January 16, 1975 at age 58 in Syracuse, Nebraska. He is buried at Park Hill Cemetery in Syracuse, Nebraska.
References
USAF Historical Study No. 85 USAF Credits For The Destruction of Enemy Aircraft, World War II Alphabetical: Morrissey, Robert L. page 138 (PDF page 145)
The Hall of Valor Project - Robert Lawrence Morrissey (DSC citation)
FindAGrave - Robert Lawrence Morrissey (grave photo, obituary)
Contribute Information
Do you have photos or additional information to add?
|
