In the early days of America’s involvement in World War II, the men of the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Fire Department stood ready every day—guardians of the airfield, protectors of pilots, and first on scene when danger touched down.

On November 5, 1942, four civilian firefighters from the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Fire Department—Malcom A. Johnson, McDonald “Don” Allen, Newberry B. Sawyer, and J.D. Sessions—took their positions beside the runway as a B-26 Bomber approached. The crew had reported an issue with the landing gear, and the firefighters stood by prepared to act the moment wheels met earth.

But in a tragic instant, readiness turned to heartbreak. As the aircraft came in for it’s landing, the crippled landing gear failed to and the bomber struck the vehicle, killing all four firefighters instantly. Miraculously, every member of the flight crew survived.

Their sacrifice, however, was immeasurable.

Today, we honor Johnson, Allen, Sawyer, and Sessions—four men who embodied the courage and commitment of every firefighter who serves on an airfield. They ran toward danger, stood their ground in the path of uncertainty, and gave their lives in the line of duty.

More than eight decades later, their legacy endures. We remember their names. We honor their service. And we carry forward the story of their sacrifice so that it is never forgotten.