James Muri

James Perry Muri (October 19, 1918 – February 3, 2013) was an American World War II pilot. His United States Army Air Forces squadron helped protect Midway Island during the war by attacking a Japanese aircraft carrier task force.

Biography

Born on October 19, 1918, in Carterville, Montana, his full name is James Perry Muri, and he was raised in a family of cattle ranchers.

Following the attack, he and one other B-26 pilot were able to land their planes safely on Midway Island.

Akagi was later attacked by carrier-based Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bombers and set on fire. The carrier was later ordered to be scuttled by fleet commander Isoroku Yamamoto.

Later military career

For their efforts, Muri and his crew were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. Muri was reassigned to Eglin Field, Florida. There, he established and led the 1st Proving Ground Torpedo Squadron. He soon became a Major and commander of a detachment of the 353d Army Air Force Base Unit at what is now the regional airport in Watertown, South Dakota. He would also serve as a United States Department of State liaison in Brussels, Belgium. On February 3, 2013, Muri died of natural causes in Laurel at the age of 94. He was buried at the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Miles City. James had two children, 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.