J.J. Murphy Square
| Square Location | Juniper and Star Ave (click link for map) |
Aviation Radioman 2nd Class John J. Murphy, a native of 19 Juniper Avenue, served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was born on January 7th, 1922 and graduated from Salem High School in 1939. Aviation Radioman 2nd Class Murphy initially enlisted in the Navy on February 27th, 1941.
Almost a year later, he was stationed on Wake Island when it was attacked by the Japanese in December of 1941. He contributed to the fighting and was later transferred to Pearl Harbor after the fighting ended. However, on a routine patrol over the South Pacific, his plane was reported missing on March 28th, 1943 and, tragically, it was never found. The Navy officially declared him deceased on March 29th, 1944. He was the son of Edith Murphy and brother to Eileen, Louise, and Mary.
His square was approved by the City Council on April 27th, 2017, which is located at the corner of Juniper and Star Avenues, dedicated in his honor.
