WEST END, NC - - It started out as a trip to a BBQ we'd not been to before. And ended up as a look back at two military heroes of Moore County, NC. James Rodgers McConnell died 103 years in World War I. Robert "Hoyle" Upchurch 'vanished' 76 years ago on Oct. 6, 1944 in WW II.
The Pic 'N' Pig BBQ sits right alongside the 2,500' runway of the private Gilliam-McConnell Airfield. If you want to watch small planes take off within touching distance, this is the place. But what really caught my imagination was the memorial to the fallen airmen mentioned above
McConnell was a member of the famous "Flying Tigers" who flew sorties in China to fight Japanese Air Force. He crashed while over mountainous terrain on a mission. His remains were recovered in by locals and, although the Chinese could not identify him, they gave him a heroes burial. They honored the pilot on the anniversary of his death each year.
He was identified 60 years later (through DNA) by individuals searching for remains of American individuals listed as 'missing in action.' He is now buried in High Falls, NC.
Flying for France. James Rodgers McConnell, was a native of Carthage and where the airfield (in part) bears his name. He joined the French forces (before US involvement) and hoped to fly. Instead he started out driving an ambulance and ended up being awarded the "Croix de Guerre" for bravery.
Soon after, he and 6 other airmen, became founding members of the Lafayette Escadrille. This squadron of American pilots flew for France against the axis forces. He died in battle with German aircraft on March 19, 1917.
The top mural depicts McConnell in a military pose with his biplane. The bottom mural depicts aerial action. The winged statue, on the University of Virginia campus, is tribute to McConnell as the first UVA alumni to die in WWI.
Of note is the sculptor of the piece...Gutzon Borglum, who went on to create the monument on Stone Mountain (GA) and spend a good part of his life designing/sculpting Mt. Rushmore.
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