Doyle Truman Morgan (3 Jun 1925 - 1 Jun 1945)

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SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO DOYLE TRUMAN MORGAN

MEMORIAL DAY, 1991

HASKELL CEMETERY, OKLAHOMA

In addition to the others we honor here today, we would like to pay special tribute to the brother of Mrs. Bettye Bobbitt, a Haskell area resident. Her brother, Doyle Truman Morgan, died in the service of his country on June 1, 1945, 2 days before his 20th birthday.

Airman Machinist’s Mate Third Class Doyle Truman Morgan was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lesley Morgan of Barber, Arkansas.  He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943 at the age of 18.  Shortly thereafter he was flying combat missions as a gunner in a PB4Y2 Privateer, 4 engine heavy bomber, with Navy Patrol Bomber Squadron 106 in the Pacific Theater.  Morgan saw intense combat on many of the 82 missions he flew.  His was the first American plane to land on Iwo Jima as the enemy was being routed from that island. Official Navy citations attest to Doyle Morgan’s valor in combat. His decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 4 Gold Stars, and the Purple Heart.

Doyle Morgan’s final mission, on June 1, 1945, was a reconnaissance mission to photograph the Japanese fleet in the vicinity of Singapore. During this mission the plane was attacked by enemy planes and by anti-aircraft artillery. The brave crew of this patrol bomber did not back off.  Doyle Morgan and the other gunners fought off the attackers and the plane continued it’s mission until a wing was shot off.  The plane with its crew of 11 crashed into the sea.  There were no survivors.  The crew members remains were not recovered.

There is no grave or memorial for Doyle Morgan. He has been remembered only by family members. Therefore, on this Memorial Day let us all gratefully acknowledge the ultimate sacrifice made by Airman Machinist’s Mate Third Class Doyle Truman Morgan in the service of his country.