Martin Luther
1st Lt Martin Luther was assigned to the 301st BG 353rd Squadron.
Martin Luther Martin Luther passed away in Medford on January 23, 2008 of prostate cancer. He was 88. Private cremation was held at Siskiyou Memorial Park. Martin was born December 25, 1919 in San Jose, Calif., to Martin and Mildred (Moore) Luther. Martin Luther graduated from Medford Senior High School with the class of 1938. He was class president for the class of 1937 and 1938. He received his restricted commercial pilots license in February of 1941. He attended the University of Oregon before enlisting in the Army Air Corps in September, 1941. He graduated as a pilot in May, 1942. After a brief stint in instructor school he became a "hurry-up" co-pilot flying the B-17 Flying Fortress and completed his first mission, flying from England in September, 1942, with the 8th Air Force. His group, the 301st Bomb Group (H) was one of only two Groups that were used to demonstrate to the English, the newly developed Norden Bomb Sight in the early stages of the war. The sight was spoken of as being able to "Drop a bomb in a Pickle Barrel." It would make daylight bombing raids possible. He was later slated to fly missions in North Africa with the 12th Air Force. Among the missions flown was the sinking of the Italian cruiser, Trieste. After a total of 50 missions, he returned to the states in July, 1943 where he became a flight instructor on B-24s until he was discharged in December, 1945. Among his awards, he received the Air Medal with 9 Oak Leaf Clusters. From 1945-1950, Martin was employed by American Fruit Growers and was the sales manager of the Blue Goose Orchards gift packaging operation. In 1950 he joined his father, Martin Luther, Sr. as Field Superintendent at Rogue River Orchards Ltd., an 1,100 acre operation that grew, packed, stored and sold pears under their own label. Martin Sr. was partner manager until his death in January, 1976. He and his wife were long time residents of the valley. Martin Jr. assumed his fathers duties until 1985 when Naumes of Oregon purchased the company at which time he retired after 40 years in the pear orchard business. Prior to retirement, he was President of the Fruit Growers League, President of the Medford Pear Shippers, Chairman of the Oregon State Barlett Pear Commission and a long standing member of the University Club from 1946 until his death. He enjoyed anything connected with the outdoors, along with his friends, associates, and a little "Brown Water" come the end of the day. Survivors include daughters, Midi Henderson and husband, John of Sheridan, Ore., Marta Stephens and husband, Jerry of Klamath Falls; step-sons, Gregory Hendricks of Ireland and James Hendricks of Los Angeles, Calif.; grandchildren, Derek Stephens and wife, Heather of Coos Bay, Joleen Stephens Eggers and husband, Jeremy of Redmond, Wash., Angela Henderson Rapp and husband, Chris of Newburg, Ore., Dr. Martin B. Jones and wife, Amey of Allen, Texas; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Patterson Luther (1979) and wife, Matilda Barney Luther (2007); and his parents, Martin and Mildred Luther. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Medford Gospel Mission or Providence Hospice of Medford.
The following information on Martin Luther is gathered and extracted from military records. We have many documents and copies of documents, including military award documents. It is from these documents that we have found this information on 1st Lt Luther. These serviceman's records are nowhere near complete and we are always looking for more material. If you can help add to Martin Luther's military record please contact us.
| Date | Order | Award | Ribbon & Device | Document Originator | Rank | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
04/01/1943 |
General Order (GO)* : 42 |
AM/1OLC Air Medal Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster |
 
|
Issuing Authority: 12th Air Force |
Current Rank: 2LT |
|
04/21/1943 |
General Order (GO)* : 9001 |
AM/1OLC Air Medal Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster |
|
Issuing Authority: 12th Air Force |
Current Rank: 1LT |
|
05/05/1943 |
General Order (GO)* : 67 |
AM/5OLC Air Medal Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster Silver Oak Leaf Cluster = 5 OLCs |
|
Issuing Authority: 12th Air Force |
Current Rank: 1LT |
|
05/28/1943 |
General Order (GO)* : 94 |
AM/6OLC Air Medal Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster |
|
Issuing Authority: 12th Air Force |
Current Rank: 1LT |
|
* Documents are of the type/classification of "General Order" for most award documents. The listed documents are GO, General Order unless otherwise stated. For example. Special Orders.
The Issuing Authority is the Command and author of the document.
4/6/1943 
3/12/1943 AM/OLC
5/24/1943 AM/4-OLC
4/6/1943 PUC
Please contact us with any biographical data, pictures or other information regarding the service and life of Martin Luther.