When the U.S. gunboat Panay was bombed by the Japs on the Yangtze River on 12 December 1937, JAMES T. MURPHY, was serving as a Radioman, 3rd class, on board. He received the Navy Cross for having distinguished himself by a display of heroism on the occasion of the bombing and loss of the USS Panay. Mr. Murphy was a member of the crew which courageously operated the machine gun battery against the attacking planes, even though these guns could not bear forward from which direction most of the attacks were made. He remained at his post of duty until the ammunition was expended and he was ordered to abandon ship. His performance of duty on this occasion was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.

Mr. Murphy joined the Legion of Valor in 1961 and resided in Wisconsin.