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The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) together with the people of East Boston and members of The Conway family honored the late First Lieutenant James O. Conway at a memorial dedication in his name. Lt. Conway was a pilot with the 101st Fighter Interceptor Squadron of the Massachusetts Air National Guard and was responsible for saving 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, hundreds of people poured onto Bayswater Street to pay tribute to this brave hero.

The Conway monument stands on the embankment of Bayswater Street in East Boston and was erected by Massport as a permanent reminder of this extraordinary man.

Lt. James O. Conway was a true hero who without regard for his safety saved hundreds of lives while sacrificing his own, said Tom Kinton, Massport's Director of Aviation. This man exemplified the true nature of heroism in considering others first. He should continue to serve as an inspiration to all of us for his bravery, his dedication and his commitment to mankind.

Participating in today's ceremony was Senate President and Bayswater neighbor resident, Robert Travaglini, Representative Anthony Petruccelli, City Councilor Paul Scappichio, Massport Director of Aviation, Tom Kinton, Mark Conway, son of Lt. Conway and other elected officials. The Reverend Richard Crager, Executive Director of the East Boston Salesian Boys and Girls Club offered the invocation and benediction and several area organizations offered their services, including the Massachusetts 102nd fighter Wing Division, East Boston High School Junior ROTC, the East Boston Vietnam Veterans, the 26th Yankee Division Veterans Association and the Winthrop Veterans of Foreign War.

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