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945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
5:00 p.m. – Reception
6:00 p.m. – Program
7:00 p.m. – Book Signing
Meet the Author – Luck of the Draw: My Story of the Air War in Europe
A conversation with Elizabeth Murphy and Chloe Melas, daughter and granddaughter of late veteran and author Frank Murphy
Beginning on August 17, 1942, American heavy bomber crews of the Eighth Air Force took off for combat in the hostile skies over occupied Europe. By war’s end, over 47,000 would be casualties, with over 26,000 killed.
Frank Murphy became one of the few survivors of the 100th Bombardment Group, nicknamed The Bloody Hundredth. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Murphy enlisted with the US Army Air Corps following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. After completing his training, Murphy was assigned as a B-17 navigator to the newly formed 100th Bomb group.
Murphy was stationed in England, where he flew 21 combat missions. Shot out of his B-17 on his 21st mission, Murphy was captured and survived 19 months as a German POW. Following the war, Murphy was awarded a Purple Heart, Air Medal, and the US Prisoner of War Medal before passing away in 2007 at age 85.
Frank Murphy first wrote his story 20 years ago for just his family. Now, his daughter, Elizabeth, and granddaughter, Chloe, have republished his memoir so that they can share his story and legacy with readers today.
Chloe Melas Is an entertainment reporter for CNN covering breaking celebrity news, industry analyses, and in-depth investigations. She currently resides in New York with her husband and two sons.
Elizabeth Murphy Holds a Master's of English Literature from Northern Arizona University and is the author of numerous children’s books. She currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, where she was born and raised.
