LTC JOHN MURRAY MARTIN

 

23 Dec 2003 Our family has not made much of the information regarding his case available to the public due to our desire for maintaining privacy. We ask that this site remain a true tribute to John Murray Martin - he and his comrades did make the ultimate sacrifice and deserve to be honored for their service. If anyone has information to pass on or is requesting information on John Murray Martin, please contact us directly. From his son, John Murray Martin II deboreh.martin@dover.af.mil

 

Notes from The Virtual Wall On 20 November 1967 two F-4Cs, CRAB 1 and CRAB 2, from the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Danang were tasked against a suspected SAM site north of the DMZ. CRAB 2, F-4C tail number 63-7680, was flown by Captain John M. Martin and 1st Lt James L. Badley . The target was identified by a COVEY FAC, and the two F-4s began their attacks. Following his third pass at the target CRAB 2 was hit by anti-aircraft fire. With one engine out and his F-4 on fire, Martin headed for the nearby coast line. Badley ejected as the aircraft crossed the beach, but Captain Martin was not seen to leave the aircraft before water impact. 1st Lt Badley was picked up by a SAR helo, returned to flight status, and was killed in action four months later, on 27 March 1968. The SAR forces failed to locate Captain Martin and he was classed as Missing in Action. He was promoted twice while in MIA status before the Air Force changed his status to Killed in Action/Body not Recovered. As with most losses at sea, the wreckage of 63-7680 and Lt Col Martin's remains have not been located. The aircraft Martin and Badley were flying, F-4C tail number 63-7680, was not on its first trip up North. Colonel Robin Olds and 1st Lt C. Clifton were flying 63-7680 when they shot down a MiG-21 on 02 January 1967, and Lt Col F. A. Haeffner and 1st Lt M. R. Bever of the 433rd TFS were in 63-7680 when they bagged a MiG-17 on 13 May 1967. Colonel Robin Olds and 1st Lt C. Clifton were flying 63-7680 when they shot down a MiG-21 on 02 January 1967, and Lt Col F. A. Haeffner and 1st Lt M. R. Bever of the 433rd TFS were in 63-7680 when they bagged a MiG-17 on 13 May 1967.

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