Museum exhibit remembers Dwight E. Terry

The Putnam County Museum will be showcasing its newest exhibit featuring Dwight E. Terry at the Putnam County Airport during the Airport Appreciation Days Saturday and Sunday.

The display tells the story of the Terry, a former resident of Greencastle who lost his life during World War II.

Terry was a fighter pilot who flew combat missions in the Mediterranean Zone over Italy. While returning from a completed combat mission with his squadron, Terry's plane became engaged in combat with an approaching German fighter pilot.

The two planes disappeared into the cloud cover, and Terry's plane never emerged. He was declared missing in action by the War Department.

A year later, his grave was found near Casona, Italy, where a local Italian family had buried him. They had witnessed the aerial fight in which Terry's plane was shot down.

Terry's body was moved to the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial where he was laid to rest. He received a Purple Heart for his valiant service during the war.

The display features a variety of photographs, documents and awards that chronicle Terry's service in the Air Force. All items in the display were donated by Terry's niece and nephew, Betty Dunn and Don Flint.

Following the conclusion of Airport Appreciation Days, the Dwight E. Terry display will be exhibited at the Putnam County Museum through September.

For more information, persons may contact Putnam County Museum Director Tanis Monday at 653-8419.