Memorial

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Marshall M. Shepherd attended the University of North Carolina from The McCallie Schoo and worked as assistant secretary of the John C. Shepherd Lumber Corporation.

A year after graduating, he enlisted at Fort Jackson, South Carolina on 9 April 1941. He was commissioned, completed flight training and left for the European Theater in July 1943.

According to the right waist gunner, S/Sgt Harold T. Lambert, the airplane was hit by anti-aircraft fire about the time the reached the Initial Point. Two engines were afire and there was also fire in the accessory compartment and part of the oxygen system was disabled. Also, the radio room and the cockpit were hit, injuring both pilots. They were forced to leave the formation and were attacked by enemy fighters, causing further damage. The pilot, Lt Marshall Shepherd, gave the order to bail out, but he was never able to leave his seat himself. While the crew members were trying to leave the airplane, it blew up.

Four men survived and were taken prisoner, six men were killed.

It was the 13th mission of this crew.

In 1947, 1st Lt Shepherd was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions during this mission.