Profiles Fall 2013 Spring 2014 HFDFW

 

James enlisted into the U.S. Army Air Corps (later Air Forces) in February, 1943. He was 19 years old.

After basic training, James was sent to armorer’s school, and that is the specialty that James carried with him to the South Pacific.

James was assigned to the 547^th Night Fighter Squadron which was part of the 5^th Army Air Forces. During this time, the 547^th used a variant of the famous P-38 Lightning for photo-reconnaissance work. Later, the squadron received the purpose built night fighter, the P-61 Black Widow.

The 547^th saw duty in New Guinea and well as the Philippines. One of James’s most memorable experiences was when the Japanese military delegation to the surrender ceremonies in Manila, Philippines stopped at his air base for refueling in August, 1945.

James was discharged with the rank of Corporal on December 24, 1945.