John W. Murphy received the following telegram last Thursday from the War department in regard to this son Bernard, who enlisted in the army from North Platte in November prior to Pearl Harbor and landed in the Phillipine Islands two months before the islands were lost to the Japs. No direct word was received from him after he left the United States:

"I am deeply distressed to inform you report now received states your son, Corporal Bernard J. Murphy, who was previously reported missing in action, died on July 16, 1942, in Phillipine Islands in a Japanese prisoner of war camp as a result of malaria. The Secretary of War asks that I express his deep sympathy in your loss and his regret that unavoidable circumstances made it necessary the usual lapse of time in reporting your son's death to you. Confirming letter follows."

The Farnam Press, 2 August 1945, p. 1

U.S. Army Forces, Pacific
General Headquarters
October 11, 1945

John W. Murphy:

My deepest sympathy goes to you in the death of your son, Corporal Bernard Murphy, while a prisoner of war of the enemy.

You may have some consolation in the memory that he, along with his comrades-in-arms who died on Bataan and Corregidor and in prison camps, gave his life for his country. It was largely their magnificent courage and sacrifices which stopped the enemy in the Philippines and the final defeat of Japan. Their names will be enshrined in our country's glory forever.

In your son's death I have lost a gallant comrade and mourn with you.

Very faithfully,
Douglas MacArthur

The Farnam Press 8 Nov 1945, p. 1

CORPORAL, U.S. Army Air Forces
Service # 17021310
34th Pursuit Squadron, 24th Pursuit Group
Entered the Service from: Nebraska
Died: 16-Jul-42
Missing in Action or Buried at Sea
Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery
Manila, Philippines

American Battle Monuments Commission

See 2007 Memorial Day Address: Duty, Honor, Country