Claude H. Morgan.
Patrolman Claude Morgan, Detective Ambrose Smith, and Patrolman William Terry were shot and killed while conducting a liquor raid on a house at 2nd Avenue (current-day Shenandoah Avenue) and 22nd Street, NW, in Roanoke. At 9:00 p.m., the officers surrounded the house when a pistol shot suddenly rang out. In the ensuing shootout, all three officers were fatally wounded. Patrolman Morgan was struck in the head and succumbed to his wounds early the next morning. Patrolman Terry was struck in the abdomen and succumbed to his wounds two days later. Detective Smith succumbed to his wounds two years later. The suspect was apprehended a few days later and sentenced to life plus 18 years. Patrolman Morgan was a United States Navy WWI veteran and had served with the Roanoke City Police Department for 3 1/2 years.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Morgan gave the Roanoke City Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Roanoke community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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