Metro J. Marchyn WWII POW, retired Westinghouse supervisor
Oct. 31, 1921—June 24, 2009
Metro “James” Marchyn, a Purple Heart recipient and retired Westinghouse supervisor, died Wednesday in Hillview Health Care, Portsmouth, Ohio. He was 87.
The Donora, Pa., native was a graduate of McKeesport (Pa.) High School and worked at Westinghouse in the Pittsburgh area prior to joining the Army Air Forces during World War II.
He served as a lieutenant navigator with the 549th Bomber Squadron and 385th Bomber Group, navigating B-17 bombers. On his 35th mission flying over Berlin, Germany, his plane was one of 11 in a formation that was shot down.
The plane exploded in the air, and Mr. Marchyn suffered head and leg injuries. He was able to parachute to safety and was one of just two survivors from the entire formation of planes that were shot down.
He spent two winters as a prisoner of war in Germany, escaping twice from a camp before being freed in 1945. Mr. Marchyn was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart.
He moved to Western New York in 1946 to work in the Westinghouse plant in Cheektowaga, where he advanced to become superintendent of the large motor division.
The longtime Amherst resident supervised construction of nuclear generators for nuclear submarines and transportation motors for several rapid transit systems in the U. S. and Canada.
Mr. Marchyn, who was known by his middle name, James or Jim, was a member of North Presbyterian Church in Amherst and the Veterans Administration Prisoner of War Association.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, the former Evelyn J. Kish, and a son, Dr. Duane J.
Services will be at 1:30 p. m. today in Carlton A. Ullrich Funeral Home, 8630 Transit Road, Amherst.
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