Edward Cody Herlihy never had a chance to reach 100 years old today. Instead, he sacrificed his life for our freedom.
He was born on October 14, 1918 in Massachusettes. His parents John and Julia were also both born in Massachusettes. His father worked as a machinist. By 1940 Edward had completed four years of high school and was working as a stock clerk at a machinist shop.
He enlisted June, 5, 1942 and carried out gunnery and other training in the United States before joining the 407th Bomb Squadron, 92nd Bombardment Group based at RAF Podington, England.
Edward was a waist gunner on board a B17 flying fortress that crashed near the village of Northend, Warwickshire on 13th November 1943. All ten airmen on board perished. The plane was flying from RAF Poddington on a mission to Bremen when ice caused its engines to fail as it climbed through cloud. The bomber went into a sideward spin and broke up before it hit the ground, scattering debris - including unexploded bombs - over a quarter of a mile.
After the war, the townspeople erected a plaque commemorating the ten that perished.
His grave is at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem, MA
Thank you Sgt Edward Cody Herlihy for your sacrifice. Let's Earn It for Edward.
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This profile was researched and written by Chris Prough - "Father of eight children, just celebrated his 30th anniversary with his lovely wife Susanne. Lives in Mount Pleasant, IA, where there are no mountains and the jury is still out on the whole "pleasant" thing. Lover of history since a child. I believe in this endeavor as my own great uncle, Harold Ozmun, will be featured December 15. Many thanks to Don for affording me the privilege to help him out."
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