SOMEWHERE IN THE PACIFIC (Delayed)—For remaining in a perilous position on a heavily shelled road just off the beach to direct traffic, impart information and aid wounded during initial landing operations on Guam, Marine Second Lieutenant John J. Murphy, 28, of 877 Washington Street, Norwood, recently was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, by his Battalion Commander, Lieut Col Jack F. Warner.
Lt. Murphy displayed exceptional coolness and courage in supervising traffic on the beachhead. The section of road to which he was assigned was under heavy Japanese mortar fire.
Nevertheless, he remained at his exposed post, supervising his men in directing traffic, giving information aiding the wounded and dispersing hundreds of trucks loaded with ammunition and supplies. On several occasions, when trucks were temporarily abandoned during heavy shelling. Murphy directed his men to disperse them to minimize danger to men and material.
His actions contributed greatly to the rapid and systematic movement of men and supplies ashore.
Murphy has been overseas 15 months. Guam was his first campaign.
He was assigned to the military police immediately upon joining the Third Division.
Murphy was engaged In the trucking business in Norwood at the time he entered the Marine Corps as an officer candidate January 30, 1943. He was commissioned a second lieutenant July 1 of the same year.
Born in Springfield. Vt.. he was reared in Norwood and is a graduate of the high school there. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. C C. Murphy, as well as his wife Cecilia and three-year-old son Robert, reside at the norwood address.
Boston College, where he played on the football team, conferred a Bachelor of Science degree on him in 1938.
By SERGT. HAROLD A. BREARD, Marine Corps Combat Correspondent
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