Robert Murphy, at 83; led paratroopers to D-day site

The Boston Globe ^ | 10-9-2008 | Gloria Negri

[BronzePencil]

In Sainte-Mère-Eglise, a small town in the Normandy region of France, is Rue Robert Murphy, a street named in honor of the Roslindale lad who joined the Army at 17, parachuted there on D-day, and dedicated part of his life to maintaining the memory of the civilians and soldiers who died there on June 6, 1944.

[BronzePencil]

RIP Colonel Murphy.

[BronzePencil]

“It has been confirmed by historians that Bob Murphy was the first guy out and on the ground on the 82d’s lift into Normandy,” Nightingale said by phone. “He landed about a quarter after midnight on the sixth of June and was a member of the original pathfinder platoon, the 505 Parachute Infantry Regiment. This was the only regiment to land intact on D-day and exactly where it was supposed to, on a high grassy meadow, 1-mile due west of Sainte-Mère-Eglise.”

One pathfinder job was to mark the drop zones for the paratroopers to follow. “Bob was the first on the ground and the last to leave,” Nightingale said.

Mr. Murphy’s role as paratrooper in the Normandy landing is depicted in Cornelius Ryan’s book “The Longest Day” and the film based on it, as well as in Mr. Murphy’s own book, “No Better Place to Die.”

[1Old Pro]

I used to play golf in a league with one of the paratroopers that day. I remember him saying they didn’t sleep for over two days.

[BronzePencil]

I believe it. Heroes, all of them.

[fieldmarshaldj]

RIP.

[PowderMonkey]

Thank you for what you did for me, Col. Murphy. Bravo Zulu. At ease.

[TChris]

Thank you for what you did for me, Col. Murphy. Bravo Zulu. At ease.

Ditto that.

Amen.

[diefree]

I went to St. Mere Eglise about 10 years ago. The church has a dummy paratrooper hanging from the steeple. The stained glass was replaced by the 82nd and now has parachutes in it.

[109ACS]

My Dad was in the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment (82nd) and was one of about three from the 508th who ended up in Sainte-Mère-Eglise. The 508th got scattered all over the place.

He says he vividly remembers the guy hanging from the church steeple and assumed he was dead because he wasn’t moving (he was playing dead).

My dad’s 86 and still going strong.

[diefree]

I don’t know how to put photos on here but by going to google images and typing in St. Mere Eglise you will find the picture of the paratrooper hanging from the church. There is also a beautiful photo of the stained glass.

[BronzePencil]

Tell your dad thanks for all he did from me.

[paratrooper82]

God Bless and thank you for your service my dear brother in arms. RIP

Eight deuce on the loose!"Those devils in baggy pants!" German soldiers WWII

[paratrooper82]

I am currently serving with the 1/508th BN 82nd ABN “fury from the sky” here, somewhere in Afghanistan, Indian country.

The All Americans!

[Chgogal]

RIP Dear COL. Murphy. You did good...so very very good. This civilian thanks you from the bottom of her heart.

Thank you to all our wonderful WW2 Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Pilots. This world would be so much darker without you.

For old times sake the British Version of Lili Marlene:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hO8XeS3lsgc&feature=related

[1COUNTER-MORTER-68]

Hurrraaggghhh!!!

Prayers Up...

GOD Bless...

[PowderMonkey]

Thanks, Chgogal. Lili Marlene brought tears to my eyes as I recalled my father and uncle, along with Col. Murphy. Gallant men all. I've often heard the question “Where will we ever find such men again, when the nation needs them the most?” My answer is you'll find them right here among their descendants and those that followed in the footsteps of the D-Day “Pathfinders.” I'm talking about folks like paratrooper82. There may be dark times ahead, and plenty of defeatist talk about the end of the American dream. I say it's horse manure and wishful thinking on the part of our detractors and political opportunists. We ain't dead yet. God bless ya’, paratrooper82. Keep the faith, everyone.