Francis Joseph Martin was the son of Josephine “Josie” Martin. He was a graduate of Knoxville Catholic High School, class of 1942 and worked in a grocery store on North Central Street prior to his induction Feb 13, 1943. He Died non Battle
Aircraft B-25G with serial number 42-32464 departed from Natal, Brazil on a coastal mission to Belem, Brazil. It was reported to be missing on 3 May 1944.
Crew members
Pilot, 1st Lt Roy V. Montgomery
Co-Pilot, 2nd Lt William A. Gavin
Navigator, 2nd Lt Mace M. Richardson
Flight Engineer, T/Sgt Edward T. Collins
Radio Operator, PFC Francis J. Martin
Memorialized at East Coast Memorial in New York, NY
The Knoxville News-Sentinel, 22 May 1944
Sevierville, May 22 – First Lt. Roy V. Montgomery Jr., son of R.V. Montgomery, Sevierville, publisheer and Radio Operator Francis J. Martin, 1362 Cornelia Avenue, Knoxville, are today both officially listed as missing. Telegrams were received Sunday afternoon from Lt. Col. Earl D. Johnson, commanding officer of the Fourth Ferrying Command, Memphis, saying that “Extensive search has been abandoned” for the bomber and crew who were flying back to the United States. The command expressed “Deepest sympathy” and promised to let the families know of any developements. Mr. Montgomery today phoned Memphis for any additional details. Lt. Montgomery;’s wife lives at 319 Pettway Evenue, Knoxville. They are the parents of twin daughters, born Jan. 29.
- Rank: Private First Class
- Date of birth: 10 October 1922
- Date of death: 3 May 1944
- County: Knox
- Hometown: Knoxville
- Service Branch: Army/Army Air Forces
- Division/Assignment: U.S. Army, 554th Air Force Base Unit
- Conflict: World War II
- Burial/Memorial Location: East Coast Memorial, New York, NY
- Location In Memorial: Pillar XIV, Top Panel
- Contact us to sponsor Francis J. Martin
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