Lieutenant Commander, John Francis Curran
Entered Service From: NebraskaService #: 0-086193, U.S. NavyDate of Death: July 30, 1946, Mindoro Island, PhilippinesBuried: Manila American Cemetery – Plot L, Row 8, Grave 46*************************************************************1930 United States Federal Census (07 April 1930): Norfolk (Ward 3), Madison County, Nebraska (sheet 7A, family 177, 432 Fourth Street) - John F. Curran (11 Oregon)1940 United States Federal Census (09 April 1940): Norfolk, Madison County, Nebraska (sheet 8A, household 197, 606 South Fourth Street) - John Curran (21 Oregon). His family had lived in the same house in 1935. He had completed four years of college. John was a new worker.John Francis Curran (22, 22 August 1918, Bandon, Orengon) of 606 South 4, Norfolk, Madison County, Nebraska, signed up for his World War II Draft Registration Card (Serial No. 1747, Order No. 2367) on 16 October 1940 in Norfolk, Nebraska. He listed his mother, Mrs. Mary Ellen Curran, as the person who would always know his address. John was working for the Chamber of Commerce in Norfolk. John was described as 6’ 2”, 195 lbs., with a light complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He had a scar on his left temple and on his left index finger.Beatrice Bland – The engagement of Beatrice Gertrude Brand, WAVE, to Lt. John Francis Curran, Navy, is announced by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. J. Brand, 3237 Girard avenue.Lt. Curran is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Curran, Norfolk, Neb. Both Miss Brand and Lt. Curran are on duty at the Naval Air Station, Clinton, Okla. Source: Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota), Sunday, 04 June 1944, page 29.Norfolk flier is burned, delaying wedding plansNORFOLK (AP) A fire in his plane as he was taking off at Humo, La., caused severe burns on the arms, back and face of navy Lt. John Curran of Norfolk, his parents have been notified – and they have caused a postponement of Lieutenant Curran’s wedding.Lieutenant Curran and Miss Beatrice Brand of Minneapolis, Minn., were to have been married in Minneapolis June 26. The naval air corps instructor’s parents have been notified by his commanding officer that the burns will not leave any scars. He is now in a hospital at New Orleans, La. Source: The Nebraska State Journal (Lincoln, Nebraska), Friday 23 June 1944, page 7.Lieutenant Weds Former InstructorNew Orleans (UP) – While recovering from burns received in a plane crash last week near Houma, La., Lieutenant John Francis Curran USNR, of Norfolk, Neb., took as his bride yesterday his former flying instructor, Petty Officer Second Class Beatrice Brand of Minneapolis. The wedding took place at the U.S. Naval Hospital.The couple were to have been married last Monday in Minneapolis but since Lieutenant Curran could not leave his hospital bed, his fiancée came to New Orleans for the wedding.They met four months ago at the Naval Air Station in Clinton, Okla., where Miss Brand instructed Lieutenant Curran in blind flying with a link trainer.The ceremony was performed by Lieutenant (j.g.) Peter J. Daly, chaplain of the hospital, in the presence of the bride’s mother, Mrs. Leo. J. Brand. Ensign Richard Ward of Moorhead, Minn., who was injured in the same crash and occupied an adjoining bed, was Lieutenant Curran’s best man. Source: Daily World (Opelousas, Louisiana) Sunday 02 July 1944, page 6.Curran-BrandIt had to be more than an airplane accident to disrupt the wedding of a Minneapolis WAVE, Petty Officer Beatrice Brand, and her fiancé, Lt. John F. Curran, Navy.The romance of the couple started when they were on duty in Clinton, Okla.Plan were completed for their wedding which was to take place in Minneapolis in June. Invitations were out, details all taken care of.Then three days before the ceremony the bridegroom was injured in a plane crash.There seemed to be nothing to do but call off the wedding off until the recovery of Lt. Curran. But such plans were not for the young couple.The scene of the wedding swiftly changed from a church to the navy hospital in New Orleans where the bridegroom was convalescing.The service was read by the Rev. Peter J. Daly, post chaplain.The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leo J. Brand, 3237 Girard avenue S. Lt. Curran is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Curran, Norfolk, Neb. Mrs. Brand accompanied her daughter south. Source: Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota), Sunday, 16 July 1944, page 28.Lt. Cdr. John F. Curran, was attached to Patrol Bombing Squadron 119 on 23 October 1945 and sent to the Philippines where he served as a PB4Y pilot.Births – 24 November 1945 – Boy (John Michael Curran) – Mrs. and Mrs. John F. Curran 3237 Girard Ave, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, MinnesotaJohn was first based in Puerto Princesa, Palawan Island. Their stay on Palawan was brief and by 16 December, 1945 they had relocated to Guiuan Airstrip, Samar Island. In June, 1946 VP-119 moved to Navy Station Sangley Point, Cavite, Philippines Lt. Comdr. John F. Curran was the pilot of Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer/Bu. 59750 that took off on a search mission for a missing PBM Mariner and C-47 Dakota on July 30, 1945. His plane crashed on central Mindoro Island, Philippines. The aircraft hit a steep slope on the west side of a 4300 foot mountain. All ten crew were killed. It took a while for rescue parties to find the scene of the crash because of the heavy rains blanketing the island. On 06 August 1946 the crash site was located by a PBM Mariner and the remains of the crew recovered.After his body was recovered it was brought to 7747 USAF Cemetery, Manila #2, Philippine Islands – Block 4, Row 4, Grave 519 (D-D 4829). The deceased in Manila #2 (over 11,000 American soldiers) rested there until their removal to the American Graves Registration Service Manila Mausoleum in the summer of 1948. From there, according to the wishes of his next of kin (wife, Mrs. Beatrice B. Curran), Lieutenant Commander John Francis Curran was buried in his final resting place in the 7701 Ft. McKinley Cemetery (now known as the Manila American Cemetery) – Plot L, Row 8, Grave 46.*******************************************************************Lt. Com. Curran, Norfolk MissingNORFOLK, Neb. (AP) – Lieut. Comdr. John F. Curran, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Curran, Norfolk, who is stationed in the Philippines, has been missing since a flight July 30 over Mindoro, according to word received here last night by his parents.The navy flier’s wife and their small son, John Michael, also were notified at their home in Minneapolis.Commander Curran, who has been in the Philippines since Sept. 17, 1945, has had the assignment of hunting missing planes. He expected to return to the States in nine months, when for the first time he would see his infant son.During the war Commander Curran was an instructor in the naval air corps at several fields. He narrowly escaped death while in Louisiana when a plane in which he was riding with a cadet caught fire as it landed. The Norfolk man suffered severe burns from which he later recovered.He was married while in the hospital, having met his wife when she was his instructor in Link training. She was serving in the WAVES at the time.
Entered Service From: NebraskaService #: 0-086193, U.S. NavyDate of Death: July 30, 1946, Mindoro Island, PhilippinesBuried: Manila American Cemetery – Plot L, Row 8, Grave 46*************************************************************1930 United States Federal Census (07 April 1930): Norfolk (Ward 3), Madison County, Nebraska (sheet 7A, family 177, 432 Fourth Street) - John F. Curran (11 Oregon)1940 United States Federal Census (09 April 1940): Norfolk, Madison County, Nebraska (sheet 8A, household 197, 606 South Fourth Street) - John Curran (21 Oregon). His family had lived in the same house in 1935. He had completed four years of college. John was a new worker.John Francis Curran (22, 22 August 1918, Bandon, Orengon) of 606 South 4, Norfolk, Madison County, Nebraska, signed up for his World War II Draft Registration Card (Serial No. 1747, Order No. 2367) on 16 October 1940 in Norfolk, Nebraska. He listed his mother, Mrs. Mary Ellen Curran, as the person who would always know his address. John was working for the Chamber of Commerce in Norfolk. John was described as 6’ 2”, 195 lbs., with a light complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He had a scar on his left temple and on his left index finger.Beatrice Bland – The engagement of Beatrice Gertrude Brand, WAVE, to Lt. John Francis Curran, Navy, is announced by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. J. Brand, 3237 Girard avenue.Lt. Curran is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Curran, Norfolk, Neb. Both Miss Brand and Lt. Curran are on duty at the Naval Air Station, Clinton, Okla. Source: Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota), Sunday, 04 June 1944, page 29.Norfolk flier is burned, delaying wedding plansNORFOLK (AP) A fire in his plane as he was taking off at Humo, La., caused severe burns on the arms, back and face of navy Lt. John Curran of Norfolk, his parents have been notified – and they have caused a postponement of Lieutenant Curran’s wedding.Lieutenant Curran and Miss Beatrice Brand of Minneapolis, Minn., were to have been married in Minneapolis June 26. The naval air corps instructor’s parents have been notified by his commanding officer that the burns will not leave any scars. He is now in a hospital at New Orleans, La. Source: The Nebraska State Journal (Lincoln, Nebraska), Friday 23 June 1944, page 7.Lieutenant Weds Former InstructorNew Orleans (UP) – While recovering from burns received in a plane crash last week near Houma, La., Lieutenant John Francis Curran USNR, of Norfolk, Neb., took as his bride yesterday his former flying instructor, Petty Officer Second Class Beatrice Brand of Minneapolis. The wedding took place at the U.S. Naval Hospital.The couple were to have been married last Monday in Minneapolis but since Lieutenant Curran could not leave his hospital bed, his fiancée came to New Orleans for the wedding.They met four months ago at the Naval Air Station in Clinton, Okla., where Miss Brand instructed Lieutenant Curran in blind flying with a link trainer.The ceremony was performed by Lieutenant (j.g.) Peter J. Daly, chaplain of the hospital, in the presence of the bride’s mother, Mrs. Leo. J. Brand. Ensign Richard Ward of Moorhead, Minn., who was injured in the same crash and occupied an adjoining bed, was Lieutenant Curran’s best man. Source: Daily World (Opelousas, Louisiana) Sunday 02 July 1944, page 6.Curran-BrandIt had to be more than an airplane accident to disrupt the wedding of a Minneapolis WAVE, Petty Officer Beatrice Brand, and her fiancé, Lt. John F. Curran, Navy.The romance of the couple started when they were on duty in Clinton, Okla.Plan were completed for their wedding which was to take place in Minneapolis in June. Invitations were out, details all taken care of.Then three days before the ceremony the bridegroom was injured in a plane crash.There seemed to be nothing to do but call off the wedding off until the recovery of Lt. Curran. But such plans were not for the young couple.The scene of the wedding swiftly changed from a church to the navy hospital in New Orleans where the bridegroom was convalescing.The service was read by the Rev. Peter J. Daly, post chaplain.The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leo J. Brand, 3237 Girard avenue S. Lt. Curran is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Curran, Norfolk, Neb. Mrs. Brand accompanied her daughter south. Source: Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota), Sunday, 16 July 1944, page 28.Lt. Cdr. John F. Curran, was attached to Patrol Bombing Squadron 119 on 23 October 1945 and sent to the Philippines where he served as a PB4Y pilot.Births – 24 November 1945 – Boy (John Michael Curran) – Mrs. and Mrs. John F. Curran 3237 Girard Ave, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, MinnesotaJohn was first based in Puerto Princesa, Palawan Island. Their stay on Palawan was brief and by 16 December, 1945 they had relocated to Guiuan Airstrip, Samar Island. In June, 1946 VP-119 moved to Navy Station Sangley Point, Cavite, Philippines Lt. Comdr. John F. Curran was the pilot of Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer/Bu. 59750 that took off on a search mission for a missing PBM Mariner and C-47 Dakota on July 30, 1945. His plane crashed on central Mindoro Island, Philippines. The aircraft hit a steep slope on the west side of a 4300 foot mountain. All ten crew were killed. It took a while for rescue parties to find the scene of the crash because of the heavy rains blanketing the island. On 06 August 1946 the crash site was located by a PBM Mariner and the remains of the crew recovered.After his body was recovered it was brought to 7747 USAF Cemetery, Manila #2, Philippine Islands – Block 4, Row 4, Grave 519 (D-D 4829). The deceased in Manila #2 (over 11,000 American soldiers) rested there until their removal to the American Graves Registration Service Manila Mausoleum in the summer of 1948. From there, according to the wishes of his next of kin (wife, Mrs. Beatrice B. Curran), Lieutenant Commander John Francis Curran was buried in his final resting place in the 7701 Ft. McKinley Cemetery (now known as the Manila American Cemetery) – Plot L, Row 8, Grave 46.*******************************************************************Lt. Com. Curran, Norfolk MissingNORFOLK, Neb. (AP) – Lieut. Comdr. John F. Curran, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Curran, Norfolk, who is stationed in the Philippines, has been missing since a flight July 30 over Mindoro, according to word received here last night by his parents.The navy flier’s wife and their small son, John Michael, also were notified at their home in Minneapolis.Commander Curran, who has been in the Philippines since Sept. 17, 1945, has had the assignment of hunting missing planes. He expected to return to the States in nine months, when for the first time he would see his infant son.During the war Commander Curran was an instructor in the naval air corps at several fields. He narrowly escaped death while in Louisiana when a plane in which he was riding with a cadet caught fire as it landed. The Norfolk man suffered severe burns from which he later recovered.He was married while in the hospital, having met his wife when she was his instructor in Link training. She was serving in the WAVES at the time.
Lieutenant Commander, John Francis Curran
Entered Service From: NebraskaService #: 0-086193, U.S. NavyDate of Death: July 30, 1946, Mindoro Island, PhilippinesBuried: Manila American Cemetery – Plot L, Row 8, Grave 46*************************************************************1930 United States Federal Census (07 April 1930): Norfolk (Ward 3), Madison County, Nebraska (sheet 7A, family 177, 432 Fourth Street) - John F. Curran (11 Oregon)1940 United States Federal Census (09 April 1940): Norfolk, Madison County, Nebraska (sheet 8A, household 197, 606 South Fourth Street) - John Curran (21 Oregon). His family had lived in the same house in 1935. He had completed four years of college. John was a new worker.John Francis Curran (22, 22 August 1918, Bandon, Orengon) of 606 South 4, Norfolk, Madison County, Nebraska, signed up for his World War II Draft Registration Card (Serial No. 1747, Order No. 2367) on 16 October 1940 in Norfolk, Nebraska. He listed his mother, Mrs. Mary Ellen Curran, as the person who would always know his address. John was working for the Chamber of Commerce in Norfolk. John was described as 6’ 2”, 195 lbs., with a light complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He had a scar on his left temple and on his left index finger.Beatrice Bland – The engagement of Beatrice Gertrude Brand, WAVE, to Lt. John Francis Curran, Navy, is announced by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. J. Brand, 3237 Girard avenue.Lt. Curran is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Curran, Norfolk, Neb. Both Miss Brand and Lt. Curran are on duty at the Naval Air Station, Clinton, Okla. Source: Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota), Sunday, 04 June 1944, page 29.Norfolk flier is burned, delaying wedding plansNORFOLK (AP) A fire in his plane as he was taking off at Humo, La., caused severe burns on the arms, back and face of navy Lt. John Curran of Norfolk, his parents have been notified – and they have caused a postponement of Lieutenant Curran’s wedding.Lieutenant Curran and Miss Beatrice Brand of Minneapolis, Minn., were to have been married in Minneapolis June 26. The naval air corps instructor’s parents have been notified by his commanding officer that the burns will not leave any scars. He is now in a hospital at New Orleans, La. Source: The Nebraska State Journal (Lincoln, Nebraska), Friday 23 June 1944, page 7.Lieutenant Weds Former InstructorNew Orleans (UP) – While recovering from burns received in a plane crash last week near Houma, La., Lieutenant John Francis Curran USNR, of Norfolk, Neb., took as his bride yesterday his former flying instructor, Petty Officer Second Class Beatrice Brand of Minneapolis. The wedding took place at the U.S. Naval Hospital.The couple were to have been married last Monday in Minneapolis but since Lieutenant Curran could not leave his hospital bed, his fiancée came to New Orleans for the wedding.They met four months ago at the Naval Air Station in Clinton, Okla., where Miss Brand instructed Lieutenant Curran in blind flying with a link trainer.The ceremony was performed by Lieutenant (j.g.) Peter J. Daly, chaplain of the hospital, in the presence of the bride’s mother, Mrs. Leo. J. Brand. Ensign Richard Ward of Moorhead, Minn., who was injured in the same crash and occupied an adjoining bed, was Lieutenant Curran’s best man. Source: Daily World (Opelousas, Louisiana) Sunday 02 July 1944, page 6.Curran-BrandIt had to be more than an airplane accident to disrupt the wedding of a Minneapolis WAVE, Petty Officer Beatrice Brand, and her fiancé, Lt. John F. Curran, Navy.The romance of the couple started when they were on duty in Clinton, Okla.Plan were completed for their wedding which was to take place in Minneapolis in June. Invitations were out, details all taken care of.Then three days before the ceremony the bridegroom was injured in a plane crash.There seemed to be nothing to do but call off the wedding off until the recovery of Lt. Curran. But such plans were not for the young couple.The scene of the wedding swiftly changed from a church to the navy hospital in New Orleans where the bridegroom was convalescing.The service was read by the Rev. Peter J. Daly, post chaplain.The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leo J. Brand, 3237 Girard avenue S. Lt. Curran is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Curran, Norfolk, Neb. Mrs. Brand accompanied her daughter south. Source: Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota), Sunday, 16 July 1944, page 28.Lt. Cdr. John F. Curran, was attached to Patrol Bombing Squadron 119 on 23 October 1945 and sent to the Philippines where he served as a PB4Y pilot.Births – 24 November 1945 – Boy (John Michael Curran) – Mrs. and Mrs. John F. Curran 3237 Girard Ave, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, MinnesotaJohn was first based in Puerto Princesa, Palawan Island. Their stay on Palawan was brief and by 16 December, 1945 they had relocated to Guiuan Airstrip, Samar Island. In June, 1946 VP-119 moved to Navy Station Sangley Point, Cavite, Philippines Lt. Comdr. John F. Curran was the pilot of Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer/Bu. 59750 that took off on a search mission for a missing PBM Mariner and C-47 Dakota on July 30, 1945. His plane crashed on central Mindoro Island, Philippines. The aircraft hit a steep slope on the west side of a 4300 foot mountain. All ten crew were killed. It took a while for rescue parties to find the scene of the crash because of the heavy rains blanketing the island. On 06 August 1946 the crash site was located by a PBM Mariner and the remains of the crew recovered.After his body was recovered it was brought to 7747 USAF Cemetery, Manila #2, Philippine Islands – Block 4, Row 4, Grave 519 (D-D 4829). The deceased in Manila #2 (over 11,000 American soldiers) rested there until their removal to the American Graves Registration Service Manila Mausoleum in the summer of 1948. From there, according to the wishes of his next of kin (wife, Mrs. Beatrice B. Curran), Lieutenant Commander John Francis Curran was buried in his final resting place in the 7701 Ft. McKinley Cemetery (now known as the Manila American Cemetery) – Plot L, Row 8, Grave 46.*******************************************************************Lt. Com. Curran, Norfolk MissingNORFOLK, Neb. (AP) – Lieut. Comdr. John F. Curran, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Curran, Norfolk, who is stationed in the Philippines, has been missing since a flight July 30 over Mindoro, according to word received here last night by his parents.The navy flier’s wife and their small son, John Michael, also were notified at their home in Minneapolis.Commander Curran, who has been in the Philippines since Sept. 17, 1945, has had the assignment of hunting missing planes. He expected to return to the States in nine months, when for the first time he would see his infant son.During the war Commander Curran was an instructor in the naval air corps at several fields. He narrowly escaped death while in Louisiana when a plane in which he was riding with a cadet caught fire as it landed. The Norfolk man suffered severe burns from which he later recovered.He was married while in the hospital, having met his wife when she was his instructor in Link training. She was serving in the WAVES at the time.
Entered Service From: NebraskaService #: 0-086193, U.S. NavyDate of Death: July 30, 1946, Mindoro Island, PhilippinesBuried: Manila American Cemetery – Plot L, Row 8, Grave 46*************************************************************1930 United States Federal Census (07 April 1930): Norfolk (Ward 3), Madison County, Nebraska (sheet 7A, family 177, 432 Fourth Street) - John F. Curran (11 Oregon)1940 United States Federal Census (09 April 1940): Norfolk, Madison County, Nebraska (sheet 8A, household 197, 606 South Fourth Street) - John Curran (21 Oregon). His family had lived in the same house in 1935. He had completed four years of college. John was a new worker.John Francis Curran (22, 22 August 1918, Bandon, Orengon) of 606 South 4, Norfolk, Madison County, Nebraska, signed up for his World War II Draft Registration Card (Serial No. 1747, Order No. 2367) on 16 October 1940 in Norfolk, Nebraska. He listed his mother, Mrs. Mary Ellen Curran, as the person who would always know his address. John was working for the Chamber of Commerce in Norfolk. John was described as 6’ 2”, 195 lbs., with a light complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He had a scar on his left temple and on his left index finger.Beatrice Bland – The engagement of Beatrice Gertrude Brand, WAVE, to Lt. John Francis Curran, Navy, is announced by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. J. Brand, 3237 Girard avenue.Lt. Curran is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Curran, Norfolk, Neb. Both Miss Brand and Lt. Curran are on duty at the Naval Air Station, Clinton, Okla. Source: Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota), Sunday, 04 June 1944, page 29.Norfolk flier is burned, delaying wedding plansNORFOLK (AP) A fire in his plane as he was taking off at Humo, La., caused severe burns on the arms, back and face of navy Lt. John Curran of Norfolk, his parents have been notified – and they have caused a postponement of Lieutenant Curran’s wedding.Lieutenant Curran and Miss Beatrice Brand of Minneapolis, Minn., were to have been married in Minneapolis June 26. The naval air corps instructor’s parents have been notified by his commanding officer that the burns will not leave any scars. He is now in a hospital at New Orleans, La. Source: The Nebraska State Journal (Lincoln, Nebraska), Friday 23 June 1944, page 7.Lieutenant Weds Former InstructorNew Orleans (UP) – While recovering from burns received in a plane crash last week near Houma, La., Lieutenant John Francis Curran USNR, of Norfolk, Neb., took as his bride yesterday his former flying instructor, Petty Officer Second Class Beatrice Brand of Minneapolis. The wedding took place at the U.S. Naval Hospital.The couple were to have been married last Monday in Minneapolis but since Lieutenant Curran could not leave his hospital bed, his fiancée came to New Orleans for the wedding.They met four months ago at the Naval Air Station in Clinton, Okla., where Miss Brand instructed Lieutenant Curran in blind flying with a link trainer.The ceremony was performed by Lieutenant (j.g.) Peter J. Daly, chaplain of the hospital, in the presence of the bride’s mother, Mrs. Leo. J. Brand. Ensign Richard Ward of Moorhead, Minn., who was injured in the same crash and occupied an adjoining bed, was Lieutenant Curran’s best man. Source: Daily World (Opelousas, Louisiana) Sunday 02 July 1944, page 6.Curran-BrandIt had to be more than an airplane accident to disrupt the wedding of a Minneapolis WAVE, Petty Officer Beatrice Brand, and her fiancé, Lt. John F. Curran, Navy.The romance of the couple started when they were on duty in Clinton, Okla.Plan were completed for their wedding which was to take place in Minneapolis in June. Invitations were out, details all taken care of.Then three days before the ceremony the bridegroom was injured in a plane crash.There seemed to be nothing to do but call off the wedding off until the recovery of Lt. Curran. But such plans were not for the young couple.The scene of the wedding swiftly changed from a church to the navy hospital in New Orleans where the bridegroom was convalescing.The service was read by the Rev. Peter J. Daly, post chaplain.The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leo J. Brand, 3237 Girard avenue S. Lt. Curran is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Curran, Norfolk, Neb. Mrs. Brand accompanied her daughter south. Source: Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota), Sunday, 16 July 1944, page 28.Lt. Cdr. John F. Curran, was attached to Patrol Bombing Squadron 119 on 23 October 1945 and sent to the Philippines where he served as a PB4Y pilot.Births – 24 November 1945 – Boy (John Michael Curran) – Mrs. and Mrs. John F. Curran 3237 Girard Ave, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, MinnesotaJohn was first based in Puerto Princesa, Palawan Island. Their stay on Palawan was brief and by 16 December, 1945 they had relocated to Guiuan Airstrip, Samar Island. In June, 1946 VP-119 moved to Navy Station Sangley Point, Cavite, Philippines Lt. Comdr. John F. Curran was the pilot of Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer/Bu. 59750 that took off on a search mission for a missing PBM Mariner and C-47 Dakota on July 30, 1945. His plane crashed on central Mindoro Island, Philippines. The aircraft hit a steep slope on the west side of a 4300 foot mountain. All ten crew were killed. It took a while for rescue parties to find the scene of the crash because of the heavy rains blanketing the island. On 06 August 1946 the crash site was located by a PBM Mariner and the remains of the crew recovered.After his body was recovered it was brought to 7747 USAF Cemetery, Manila #2, Philippine Islands – Block 4, Row 4, Grave 519 (D-D 4829). The deceased in Manila #2 (over 11,000 American soldiers) rested there until their removal to the American Graves Registration Service Manila Mausoleum in the summer of 1948. From there, according to the wishes of his next of kin (wife, Mrs. Beatrice B. Curran), Lieutenant Commander John Francis Curran was buried in his final resting place in the 7701 Ft. McKinley Cemetery (now known as the Manila American Cemetery) – Plot L, Row 8, Grave 46.*******************************************************************Lt. Com. Curran, Norfolk MissingNORFOLK, Neb. (AP) – Lieut. Comdr. John F. Curran, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Curran, Norfolk, who is stationed in the Philippines, has been missing since a flight July 30 over Mindoro, according to word received here last night by his parents.The navy flier’s wife and their small son, John Michael, also were notified at their home in Minneapolis.Commander Curran, who has been in the Philippines since Sept. 17, 1945, has had the assignment of hunting missing planes. He expected to return to the States in nine months, when for the first time he would see his infant son.During the war Commander Curran was an instructor in the naval air corps at several fields. He narrowly escaped death while in Louisiana when a plane in which he was riding with a cadet caught fire as it landed. The Norfolk man suffered severe burns from which he later recovered.He was married while in the hospital, having met his wife when she was his instructor in Link training. She was serving in the WAVES at the time.
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