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Relation to Veteran:

Veteran Information:

First Name:	Marshall	edit
Middle Name:	McLaney	edit
Last Name:	Shepherd	edit
Suffix:		edit
Date of Birth:	June 9, 1919	edit
Date of Death:	Oct. 8, 1943	edit
Home Town:	Charlotte	edit
Home State:	N.C.	edit
Years at UNC:		edit
Class Year:	1940	edit
Major:		edit

Conflict/Era:	World War II	edit
Branch of Service:	Army Air Forces	edit
Rank:	Lieutenant	edit

Fraternities, clubs or other organizations at UNC:

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Comments:

Shepherd entered UNC from The McCallie School in 1936. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. A year after graduating, he enlisted in the service in April 1941.

He was commissioned, completed flight training and left for the European Theater in July 1943. On Oct. 8, 1943, he was flying “Pulsatin’ Polly” on his 18th mission as a B-17 pilot and was over Bremen when his plane was severely damaged by antiaircraft and enemy fighter attacks. Realizing that his bomber could not be flown back to England, Shepherd ordered his crewmen to abandon the plane while he remained at the controls, struggling to level the crippled aircraft. Before he could safely escape, the plane exploded, carrying him to his death.

In 1947, Shepherd was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions on Oct. 8, 1943. He previously had won an Air Medal. He also was awarded the Purple Heart.

Sources:
GAA Alumni Records;
www.390th.org/guestbook/2003.htm;
www.abmc.gov

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