Napa in Napa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Lieutenant William W. Murphy

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, December 28, 2015

1. Lieutenant William W. Murphy Marker

Inscription. On April 8th, 1944 while flying a routine combat training mission over Napa, Army Air Force Lt. Murphy's aircraft went out of control at 5,000 feet and plunged into the Napa River, not far from this site.
Lt. Murphy, a veteran combat pilot during World War II, was instructing three other pilots on combat maneuvers over Napa when his plane suddenly went out of control and into a dive. Lt. Murphy's aircraft appeared headed directly for the busy downtown Napa business district. Lt. Murphy stayed with his aircraft, miraculously guiding it into the Napa River where it crashed costing Lt. Murphy his life. Lt. Murphy's sacrifice saved lives of the people in Downtown Napa and workers returning from local war plants crossing the Third Street Bridge at the time of the crash.
Shortly after the crash, the Napa city council and Mayor Charles F. Moffitt honored Lt. Murphy for his heroic actions and self-sacrifice.
In memory of Lt. Murphy's actions and self-sacrafice (sic), the City of Napa and citizens dedicated his plaque.

Erected 2004 by City of Napa.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is April 8, 1944.

Location. 38° 17.805′ N, 122° 16.943′ W. Marker is in Napa, California

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, in Napa County. Marker can be reached from Main Street near 5th Street, on the right. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 500 Main Street, Napa CA 94559, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ars Longa Vita Brevis (within shouting distance of this marker); The Napa River (within shouting distance of this marker); Hatt Building 1886 (within shouting distance of this marker); Silo Building 1932 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hay Barn 1959 (about 300 feet away); Hatt Building 1893 (about 300 feet away); "Retro Woman" (about 300 feet away); A. Hatt Buildings 1884 & 1886 (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Napa.

More about this marker. This marker is on the Riverfront Promenade.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, December 28, 2015

2. Lieutenant William W. Murphy Marker

This marker is on the left.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 9, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 495 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 9, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.