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Fallen Pilot Who Saved Hundreds in East Boston Will Be Honored Fifty Years Later; Massport to hold memorial dedication for First Lieutenant James O. Conway

9/14/04

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) will honor the late Lieutenant James O. Conway, a pilot with the 101st Fighter Interceptor Squadron of the Massachusetts Air National Guard who saved the lives of hundreds of Bayswater Street residents when he remained at the controls of his disabled plane rather than abandon it on October 2, 1954. Nearly fifty years later, family and neighbors will gather at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 25, 2004 on Bayswater Street, between Shawsheen Road and St. Edward Road for a memorial dedication in his honor.

In recognition of Lt. Conways selfless act of bravery, Massport has erected a permanent monument with a bronze plaque bearing a likeness of this extraordinary hero. Participating in the ceremony will be Mark Conway, son of Lt. Conway. Senate President and Bayswater neighbor resident, Robert Travaglini will offer remarks as well as Massport Director of Aviation, Tom Kinton. Also participating in the ceremony will be Massport officials Lowell Richards and Cathy Leonard-McLean. The Reverend Richard Crager, Executive Director of the East Boston Salesian Boys and Girls Club will offer the invocation and benediction. Several area organizations will offer their services, including the East Boston High School Junior ROTC, the East Boston Vietnam Veterans, the 26th Yankee Division Veterans Association and the Winthrop Veterans of Foreign War.

Massport extends an invitation to this memorial dedication to all East Boston residents, particularly those from the Bayswater neighborhood.

Please note that a portion of Bayswater Street will be closed from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday September 25th to allow the ceremony to take place. Questions may be directed to Anthony Guerriero of Massports Office of Community and Government Affairs at 617-568-3711.