Veteran stories inspire at new National Medal of Honor Museum

On July 26, 1943, John “Red” Morgan was a copilot of a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress in an air raid over Germany. As the aircraft came under attack, a burst of gunfire struck the flight deck, critically wounding the pilot. The pilot, due to his injuries, became disoriented and erratic, attempting to regain control of the aircraft even though he was incapable of flying. The rest of the crew, positioned in the rear of the aircraft, lost consciousness due to a failure in the aircraft’s oxygen system, leaving Morgan as the only conscious crew member able to fly the aircraft.

For two hours, Morgan flew the heavily damaged bomber with one hand while restraining the wounded pilot with the other, preventing erratic control inputs that could have jeopardized the mission. He kept the B-17 in formation and successfully returned to base in England, saving his crew, though the pilot succumbed to his injuries after landing.

For his actions during this flight, Morgan would later be awarded the Medal of Honor — the nation’s highest military honor, given to individuals who display exceptional acts of bravery in action.

Stories like Morgan’s are the focus of the new National Medal of Honor Museum, which opens this week in Arlington, Texas, and serves as a tribute to all Medal of Honor recipients. Opening in the 250th anniversary year of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, the museum serves as an important reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women of our armed forces.

“As you walk in, you feel a sense of pride, humbleness, respect, honor and solemnness all at the same time,” said Sandra Ramsey, BGS human resources generalist and chair of the BVET North Texas chapter. “Knowing that Boeing aircraft played a part in our nation’s history and in so many of these stories is amazing. I felt very proud to be a Boeing employee.”

Ramsey was among 50 Boeing employees who visited the museum during the opening week celebration.

As part of Boeing’s ongoing commitment to veterans and their families, Boeing proudly supported the museum’s construction and will continue to support its programming. Boeing is also offering complimentary tickets to all veterans who visit during opening week.

Clay Earnest, product support manager, was inspired by Audie Murphy, an actor and the most decorated American service member of WWII. Like Murphy, Earnest served in the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Division; his son is on active duty in the army, and his wife is a U.S Navy veteran.

“Veterans do not have a ‘Hall of Fame.’ This museum is the closest we have, and it is a hallowed place of recognition for heroes,” said Earnest. “I believe Boeing recognizes the connection between the work we do and our veterans. We’re proud to work for Boeing.”

By the numbers: Since its inception during the American Civil War, there have been a total of 3,528 Medal of Honor recipients.

• 19 servicemen have received two Medals of Honor
• There are currently 61 living Medal of Honor recipients
• More than 600 Medals of Honor have been awarded to recipients who were killed in action, reflecting the valor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice