Date of death:

November 9th, 1984

Nationality:

American (1776 - present, Republic)

His father, James Oliver McCurdy passed on August 14, 1910, seven months prior to my father's birth. John McCurdy was raised as the youngest of four children by his mother, Mary, and his grandfather Daniel McCurdy in Oakmont, PA. The Dry Goods Store was their means of survival at 500 Delaware Avenue in Oakmont. It stands to this day, but as a realty business. He attended the University of Pittsburgh and worked for his uncle's business in Oakmont, McCurdy Auto Sales, on Allegheny River Blvd.

After the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor, he answered the call to enlist. He probably went into the Army Air Corp training facilities somewhere in Florida. He served with distinction and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his brave service. He shared quite a number of interesting stories concerning his service in India and China. Additionally, there was information concerning his flight south through the Caribbean, South America and across the southern route of the Atlantic Ocean to avoid the trouble in the northern Atlantic.

He married Eleanor M. Hochberg on December 29, 1948 and had four children; Diane Kaye, John Clifford, Edgar Craig and Daniel Jay. He passed on November 9, 1984 at the age of 73 and stated that he wanted to buried with family in Hebron Cemetery, Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, instead of Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Our mother died in 2004 and is buried next to him.

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Officer

Unit:

India-China Division, Air Transport Command, U.S. Army Air Forces

For completing 300 hours of operational flight in transport aircract over the dangerous and difficult India-China air routes, where enemy interception and attack was probable and expected.

"Flying at night as well by day, at high attitudes over impassable mountainous terrain through areas characterized by extremely treacherous weather conditions necessitating long periods of operation on instruments . . . requiring courageous and superior performance of his duties to overcome, he accomplished his mission with distinction."

The award was made for the period of service November, 1944, to February, 1945.

• Photo 1: John McCurdy
• - Newspaper report and medal possession.