John Cary Morgan

John Cary "Red" Morgan was an American aviator who served as a pilot in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. He initially joined the Royal Canadian Air Force before transferring to the U.S. military. He is best known for his extraordinary heroism during a bombing mission over Germany in 1943, which earned him the Medal of Honor.

On July 28, 1943, during a raid over Hanover, Morgan's B-17 Flying Fortress, nicknamed "Ruthie II," came under heavy attack by German Focke-Wulf Fw 190 fighters. The initial attacks severely damaged the aircraft, knocked out the oxygen system for the rear gunners, and mortally wounded the co-pilot, who suffered a fractured skull. The semi-conscious co-pilot frantically fought Morgan for control of the aircraft, while other crew members were severely wounded or incapacitated.

Despite the extreme physical struggle against his co-pilot, the loss of the internal communications system, and the threat of oxygen deprivation, Morgan flew the bomber with one hand while fighting off the co-pilot with the other. He successfully held his position in the formation for two hours to reach the target and drop his bombs before landing safely at an Allied airfield. His legendary actions later inspired the character of Jesse Bishop in the classic novel and film Twelve O'Clock High.