Col. James Muri (USAF-Ret)

One of the heroes of the Battle of Midway,  died on February 3, 2013. Col. Muri was a long-time friend of the American Veterans Center and was the recipient of the AVC’s Jimmy Doolittle Award  in 2004. Following is a statement about Col. Muri written by AVC  president James Roberts. The statement was read at Muri’s funeral on February 7.

Colonel James P. Muri, Rest In Peace

All of us at the American Veterans Center were saddened to learn of the passing of Col. Muri. He was a genuine American hero and we were honored to have him as a speaker at two of our national conferences.

In 2004, he was the recipient to the American Veterans Center’s Jimmy Doolittle Award. The award was just one of many honors bestowed on this great American.

On June, 4, 1942, based on Midway Island, Then Lieutenant Muri and the crews of three other Martin B-26s were sent on what must have seemed like a suicide mission. With no mission training or pre-flight briefing, they were ordered to attack the Japanese carrier fleet approaching the island.

Col. Muri’s target was Admiral Chuichi Nagumo’s flagship carrier, Akagi. Pursued by swarms of Japanese fighter planes, Col. Muri dropped a 2,000 pound torpedo aimed at Akagi and then in a bold attempt to evade the Japanese fighters he buzzed the carrier’s flight deck strafing the length of the deck.

Somehow, despite damage to every major system of the aircraft, Col Muri managed to limp back to Midway where it was discovered that his plane had over 500 bullet holes in its fuselage.

The battle of Midway was the turning point of the Pacific war and Col. Muri and his fellow pilots played a pivotal role in achieving the American victory by scattering the Japanese fighter planes, thus enabling American bombers to sink all four Japanese carriers.

Col Muri was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for the courage he displayed at Midway and he became accustomed to being called an American hero.

He never let fame go to his head, however. He was modest and warm-hearted and displayed a great sense of humor.

All of us at the American Veterans Center feel privileged to have known this great American and we pledge to do our utmost to keep his memory alive.

James C. Roberts

President

American Veterans Center

James Muri, 93, pilot heroically saved B-26 and crew in Battle of Midway