Robert's Father: Adam Murdock McClurg
b. 7 January 1884 - Vienna, Trumbull County, Ohio
d. 21 September 1923 - Coshocton County, Ohio
Like Robert, Adam M. McClurg also attended Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania
________________________________________________________________________
"Robert W. McClurg, 87, of 1646 New Seneca Tpk., Skaneateles, NY, died at home January 20, 2007. Born in Coshocton, Ohio, on February 9, 1919, he lived subsequently in New Castle, PA; moving to Syracuse, NY, in 1951 and then to Skaneateles in 1987. Bob graduated from Westminster College in business administration; he also attended Pennsylvania State College and Pittsburgh University where he received a master's degree. While in college he attended the United States Naval Academy and graduated Second Lieutenant in the Marines with his Naval Wings from Pensacola, Fla. He was chosen to be a Fighter Pilot by the Navy. He and nine other students from Westminster College were the first Naval Cadets to join Naval Flight training at the time of Pearl Harbor. He became a Carrier trained pilot and was sent to the South Pacific Theater of war as a fighter pilot. He became a member of the Black Sheep Squadron and participated in the Guadalcanal and Rabaul campaigns. He became a fighter Ace shooting down seven enemy planes and received five Distinguished Crosses, seven Air Medals and two Presidential Unit Citations. Bob received an honorary discharge from the Marine Corps on January 6, 1946, and retired as Lieutenant Colonel. He wrote his memoirs of his experiences with the Black Sheep in his book, "On Boyington's Wing." In 1946, he worked in personnel management for Universal Rundle Corporation in New Castle, PA. He was sent to New York State in 1951 as their first sales representative and then, in 1955, he became the Northeast District Manager. In 1961, Bob formed his own business as a manufacturers' representative in the plumbing and heating field, which his son, Mark, continued until 1996. As a longtime member of Park Central Presbyterian Church, Bob served several terms as Deacon and Elder in addition to teaching Sunday school. He was a lover of the outdoors and enjoyed camping, fishing (with his fishing buddies), hunting (with his hunting buddies), golf (with his golfing buddies), gardening (and sharing his vegetables). His grandchildren each held a most special place in "Grandpa's" / "Baka's" / "Pop-Pop's" heart. Bob is survived by his wife of 58 years, the former Julia Ferguson (Julie); his son, Scott (Suzanne); his daughter, Mary Beth Charters (David); and his eight grandchildren. Bob is predeceased, in 1996, by his son, Mark (Happy). Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, at Park Central Presbyterian Church, 504 East Fayette St., Syracuse (directions: www.parkcentralchurch.org). Friends may visit with family immediately following the service. Bob donated his body to University Hospital to benefit medical research and education. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 3008, Princeton, NJ; or SAVES, 26 Fennell St., Skaneateles, NY 13152. Arrangements by Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles."
________________________________________________________________________
"Borrowed from Black Sheep Aces
Aces of Marine Fighting Squadron (VMF) 214"
A lowly Second Lieutenant when he joined VMF-214, he downed seven Japanese aircraft. He was "scared to death" when he shot down his first enemy plane on Sept. 18, passing so close after a head-to-head gunfight, that he could see the doomed pilot in his flaming cockpit. On the Ballale strike of Oct. 18, his engine experienced 'mag flash', a problem with the magneto and the ignition, over enemy territory. His F4U cut out, and he went down to 15,000 feet before he could re-start. His engine still sputtering, he spotted two Zeros below him. He was directly behind and above. Perfect shooting position. They never saw him, until his bullets ripped into the planes. As McClurg was by himself for this, Walton was reluctant to credit him with the two victories until a P-39 pilot confirmed the whole event. During the first Rabaul fighter sweep, McClurg was one of only three pilots to down an enemy aircraft, and he had to break the rules to do so. Staying in formation was a cardinal rule, so when McClurg spotted a lonely Rufe floatplane down below and swooped down to destroy it, Boyington wagged his finger at McClurg. "Don't do that again" was the message.
December 23
Over Rabaul's Simpson Harbor, he became separated from Boyington. On his own in the huge melee, he got behind a Zero that had just shaken off another Corsair. Twisting, turning, throttling back (to avoid overrunning his target), McClurg forced the Zero down onto the deck. He opened up at 100 yards; the shots struck home; and the Zero bounced off the waves a couple times before plunging in. As he regained altitude, two Zeros got behind him. He sought the safety of a cloud, and practically popped his eyeballs in a high-G right turn. Coming out, the Zekes were in front him. After more tortuous aerobatics, he got 150 yards behind one, and blew it up, "leaving only a big cloud of black smoke and little pieces falling."
Five days later, McClurg claimed his seventh and last plane."
b. 7 January 1884 - Vienna, Trumbull County, Ohio
d. 21 September 1923 - Coshocton County, Ohio
Like Robert, Adam M. McClurg also attended Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania
________________________________________________________________________
"Robert W. McClurg, 87, of 1646 New Seneca Tpk., Skaneateles, NY, died at home January 20, 2007. Born in Coshocton, Ohio, on February 9, 1919, he lived subsequently in New Castle, PA; moving to Syracuse, NY, in 1951 and then to Skaneateles in 1987. Bob graduated from Westminster College in business administration; he also attended Pennsylvania State College and Pittsburgh University where he received a master's degree. While in college he attended the United States Naval Academy and graduated Second Lieutenant in the Marines with his Naval Wings from Pensacola, Fla. He was chosen to be a Fighter Pilot by the Navy. He and nine other students from Westminster College were the first Naval Cadets to join Naval Flight training at the time of Pearl Harbor. He became a Carrier trained pilot and was sent to the South Pacific Theater of war as a fighter pilot. He became a member of the Black Sheep Squadron and participated in the Guadalcanal and Rabaul campaigns. He became a fighter Ace shooting down seven enemy planes and received five Distinguished Crosses, seven Air Medals and two Presidential Unit Citations. Bob received an honorary discharge from the Marine Corps on January 6, 1946, and retired as Lieutenant Colonel. He wrote his memoirs of his experiences with the Black Sheep in his book, "On Boyington's Wing." In 1946, he worked in personnel management for Universal Rundle Corporation in New Castle, PA. He was sent to New York State in 1951 as their first sales representative and then, in 1955, he became the Northeast District Manager. In 1961, Bob formed his own business as a manufacturers' representative in the plumbing and heating field, which his son, Mark, continued until 1996. As a longtime member of Park Central Presbyterian Church, Bob served several terms as Deacon and Elder in addition to teaching Sunday school. He was a lover of the outdoors and enjoyed camping, fishing (with his fishing buddies), hunting (with his hunting buddies), golf (with his golfing buddies), gardening (and sharing his vegetables). His grandchildren each held a most special place in "Grandpa's" / "Baka's" / "Pop-Pop's" heart. Bob is survived by his wife of 58 years, the former Julia Ferguson (Julie); his son, Scott (Suzanne); his daughter, Mary Beth Charters (David); and his eight grandchildren. Bob is predeceased, in 1996, by his son, Mark (Happy). Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, at Park Central Presbyterian Church, 504 East Fayette St., Syracuse (directions: www.parkcentralchurch.org). Friends may visit with family immediately following the service. Bob donated his body to University Hospital to benefit medical research and education. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 3008, Princeton, NJ; or SAVES, 26 Fennell St., Skaneateles, NY 13152. Arrangements by Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles."
________________________________________________________________________
"Borrowed from Black Sheep Aces
Aces of Marine Fighting Squadron (VMF) 214"
A lowly Second Lieutenant when he joined VMF-214, he downed seven Japanese aircraft. He was "scared to death" when he shot down his first enemy plane on Sept. 18, passing so close after a head-to-head gunfight, that he could see the doomed pilot in his flaming cockpit. On the Ballale strike of Oct. 18, his engine experienced 'mag flash', a problem with the magneto and the ignition, over enemy territory. His F4U cut out, and he went down to 15,000 feet before he could re-start. His engine still sputtering, he spotted two Zeros below him. He was directly behind and above. Perfect shooting position. They never saw him, until his bullets ripped into the planes. As McClurg was by himself for this, Walton was reluctant to credit him with the two victories until a P-39 pilot confirmed the whole event. During the first Rabaul fighter sweep, McClurg was one of only three pilots to down an enemy aircraft, and he had to break the rules to do so. Staying in formation was a cardinal rule, so when McClurg spotted a lonely Rufe floatplane down below and swooped down to destroy it, Boyington wagged his finger at McClurg. "Don't do that again" was the message.
December 23
Over Rabaul's Simpson Harbor, he became separated from Boyington. On his own in the huge melee, he got behind a Zero that had just shaken off another Corsair. Twisting, turning, throttling back (to avoid overrunning his target), McClurg forced the Zero down onto the deck. He opened up at 100 yards; the shots struck home; and the Zero bounced off the waves a couple times before plunging in. As he regained altitude, two Zeros got behind him. He sought the safety of a cloud, and practically popped his eyeballs in a high-G right turn. Coming out, the Zekes were in front him. After more tortuous aerobatics, he got 150 yards behind one, and blew it up, "leaving only a big cloud of black smoke and little pieces falling."
Five days later, McClurg claimed his seventh and last plane."
Robert's Father: Adam Murdock McClurg
b. 7 January 1884 - Vienna, Trumbull County, Ohio
d. 21 September 1923 - Coshocton County, Ohio
Like Robert, Adam M. McClurg also attended Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania
________________________________________________________________________
"Robert W. McClurg, 87, of 1646 New Seneca Tpk., Skaneateles, NY, died at home January 20, 2007. Born in Coshocton, Ohio, on February 9, 1919, he lived subsequently in New Castle, PA; moving to Syracuse, NY, in 1951 and then to Skaneateles in 1987. Bob graduated from Westminster College in business administration; he also attended Pennsylvania State College and Pittsburgh University where he received a master's degree. While in college he attended the United States Naval Academy and graduated Second Lieutenant in the Marines with his Naval Wings from Pensacola, Fla. He was chosen to be a Fighter Pilot by the Navy. He and nine other students from Westminster College were the first Naval Cadets to join Naval Flight training at the time of Pearl Harbor. He became a Carrier trained pilot and was sent to the South Pacific Theater of war as a fighter pilot. He became a member of the Black Sheep Squadron and participated in the Guadalcanal and Rabaul campaigns. He became a fighter Ace shooting down seven enemy planes and received five Distinguished Crosses, seven Air Medals and two Presidential Unit Citations. Bob received an honorary discharge from the Marine Corps on January 6, 1946, and retired as Lieutenant Colonel. He wrote his memoirs of his experiences with the Black Sheep in his book, "On Boyington's Wing." In 1946, he worked in personnel management for Universal Rundle Corporation in New Castle, PA. He was sent to New York State in 1951 as their first sales representative and then, in 1955, he became the Northeast District Manager. In 1961, Bob formed his own business as a manufacturers' representative in the plumbing and heating field, which his son, Mark, continued until 1996. As a longtime member of Park Central Presbyterian Church, Bob served several terms as Deacon and Elder in addition to teaching Sunday school. He was a lover of the outdoors and enjoyed camping, fishing (with his fishing buddies), hunting (with his hunting buddies), golf (with his golfing buddies), gardening (and sharing his vegetables). His grandchildren each held a most special place in "Grandpa's" / "Baka's" / "Pop-Pop's" heart. Bob is survived by his wife of 58 years, the former Julia Ferguson (Julie); his son, Scott (Suzanne); his daughter, Mary Beth Charters (David); and his eight grandchildren. Bob is predeceased, in 1996, by his son, Mark (Happy). Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, at Park Central Presbyterian Church, 504 East Fayette St., Syracuse (directions: www.parkcentralchurch.org). Friends may visit with family immediately following the service. Bob donated his body to University Hospital to benefit medical research and education. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 3008, Princeton, NJ; or SAVES, 26 Fennell St., Skaneateles, NY 13152. Arrangements by Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles."
________________________________________________________________________
"Borrowed from Black Sheep Aces
Aces of Marine Fighting Squadron (VMF) 214"
A lowly Second Lieutenant when he joined VMF-214, he downed seven Japanese aircraft. He was "scared to death" when he shot down his first enemy plane on Sept. 18, passing so close after a head-to-head gunfight, that he could see the doomed pilot in his flaming cockpit. On the Ballale strike of Oct. 18, his engine experienced 'mag flash', a problem with the magneto and the ignition, over enemy territory. His F4U cut out, and he went down to 15,000 feet before he could re-start. His engine still sputtering, he spotted two Zeros below him. He was directly behind and above. Perfect shooting position. They never saw him, until his bullets ripped into the planes. As McClurg was by himself for this, Walton was reluctant to credit him with the two victories until a P-39 pilot confirmed the whole event. During the first Rabaul fighter sweep, McClurg was one of only three pilots to down an enemy aircraft, and he had to break the rules to do so. Staying in formation was a cardinal rule, so when McClurg spotted a lonely Rufe floatplane down below and swooped down to destroy it, Boyington wagged his finger at McClurg. "Don't do that again" was the message.
December 23
Over Rabaul's Simpson Harbor, he became separated from Boyington. On his own in the huge melee, he got behind a Zero that had just shaken off another Corsair. Twisting, turning, throttling back (to avoid overrunning his target), McClurg forced the Zero down onto the deck. He opened up at 100 yards; the shots struck home; and the Zero bounced off the waves a couple times before plunging in. As he regained altitude, two Zeros got behind him. He sought the safety of a cloud, and practically popped his eyeballs in a high-G right turn. Coming out, the Zekes were in front him. After more tortuous aerobatics, he got 150 yards behind one, and blew it up, "leaving only a big cloud of black smoke and little pieces falling."
Five days later, McClurg claimed his seventh and last plane."
b. 7 January 1884 - Vienna, Trumbull County, Ohio
d. 21 September 1923 - Coshocton County, Ohio
Like Robert, Adam M. McClurg also attended Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania
________________________________________________________________________
"Robert W. McClurg, 87, of 1646 New Seneca Tpk., Skaneateles, NY, died at home January 20, 2007. Born in Coshocton, Ohio, on February 9, 1919, he lived subsequently in New Castle, PA; moving to Syracuse, NY, in 1951 and then to Skaneateles in 1987. Bob graduated from Westminster College in business administration; he also attended Pennsylvania State College and Pittsburgh University where he received a master's degree. While in college he attended the United States Naval Academy and graduated Second Lieutenant in the Marines with his Naval Wings from Pensacola, Fla. He was chosen to be a Fighter Pilot by the Navy. He and nine other students from Westminster College were the first Naval Cadets to join Naval Flight training at the time of Pearl Harbor. He became a Carrier trained pilot and was sent to the South Pacific Theater of war as a fighter pilot. He became a member of the Black Sheep Squadron and participated in the Guadalcanal and Rabaul campaigns. He became a fighter Ace shooting down seven enemy planes and received five Distinguished Crosses, seven Air Medals and two Presidential Unit Citations. Bob received an honorary discharge from the Marine Corps on January 6, 1946, and retired as Lieutenant Colonel. He wrote his memoirs of his experiences with the Black Sheep in his book, "On Boyington's Wing." In 1946, he worked in personnel management for Universal Rundle Corporation in New Castle, PA. He was sent to New York State in 1951 as their first sales representative and then, in 1955, he became the Northeast District Manager. In 1961, Bob formed his own business as a manufacturers' representative in the plumbing and heating field, which his son, Mark, continued until 1996. As a longtime member of Park Central Presbyterian Church, Bob served several terms as Deacon and Elder in addition to teaching Sunday school. He was a lover of the outdoors and enjoyed camping, fishing (with his fishing buddies), hunting (with his hunting buddies), golf (with his golfing buddies), gardening (and sharing his vegetables). His grandchildren each held a most special place in "Grandpa's" / "Baka's" / "Pop-Pop's" heart. Bob is survived by his wife of 58 years, the former Julia Ferguson (Julie); his son, Scott (Suzanne); his daughter, Mary Beth Charters (David); and his eight grandchildren. Bob is predeceased, in 1996, by his son, Mark (Happy). Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, at Park Central Presbyterian Church, 504 East Fayette St., Syracuse (directions: www.parkcentralchurch.org). Friends may visit with family immediately following the service. Bob donated his body to University Hospital to benefit medical research and education. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 3008, Princeton, NJ; or SAVES, 26 Fennell St., Skaneateles, NY 13152. Arrangements by Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles."
________________________________________________________________________
"Borrowed from Black Sheep Aces
Aces of Marine Fighting Squadron (VMF) 214"
A lowly Second Lieutenant when he joined VMF-214, he downed seven Japanese aircraft. He was "scared to death" when he shot down his first enemy plane on Sept. 18, passing so close after a head-to-head gunfight, that he could see the doomed pilot in his flaming cockpit. On the Ballale strike of Oct. 18, his engine experienced 'mag flash', a problem with the magneto and the ignition, over enemy territory. His F4U cut out, and he went down to 15,000 feet before he could re-start. His engine still sputtering, he spotted two Zeros below him. He was directly behind and above. Perfect shooting position. They never saw him, until his bullets ripped into the planes. As McClurg was by himself for this, Walton was reluctant to credit him with the two victories until a P-39 pilot confirmed the whole event. During the first Rabaul fighter sweep, McClurg was one of only three pilots to down an enemy aircraft, and he had to break the rules to do so. Staying in formation was a cardinal rule, so when McClurg spotted a lonely Rufe floatplane down below and swooped down to destroy it, Boyington wagged his finger at McClurg. "Don't do that again" was the message.
December 23
Over Rabaul's Simpson Harbor, he became separated from Boyington. On his own in the huge melee, he got behind a Zero that had just shaken off another Corsair. Twisting, turning, throttling back (to avoid overrunning his target), McClurg forced the Zero down onto the deck. He opened up at 100 yards; the shots struck home; and the Zero bounced off the waves a couple times before plunging in. As he regained altitude, two Zeros got behind him. He sought the safety of a cloud, and practically popped his eyeballs in a high-G right turn. Coming out, the Zekes were in front him. After more tortuous aerobatics, he got 150 yards behind one, and blew it up, "leaving only a big cloud of black smoke and little pieces falling."
Five days later, McClurg claimed his seventh and last plane."
Bio by: Michael Harrington
