On the 27th of September 1944, about one month shy of turning 25, James was flying a mission out of St. Dizier, France, with the clouds over Germany so low, was forced to fly at just 100 feet off the ground and follow the "iron beam". There were eight targets on this mission. On his way to take photos over the third, his plane an F-6C (P-51C equipped for reconnaissance) was hit by flak and crashed into a field in Hochsheid, Germany.
Mr. Ploes, a German investigator stated that "the poor pilot came in low and had not the slightest chance to take evasive action, the flak just stood there at the 'right place' and shot the aircraft down immediately."
Officer Service No: O-669936
Mr. Ploes, a German investigator stated that "the poor pilot came in low and had not the slightest chance to take evasive action, the flak just stood there at the 'right place' and shot the aircraft down immediately."
Officer Service No: O-669936
On the 27th of September 1944, about one month shy of turning 25, James was flying a mission out of St. Dizier, France, with the clouds over Germany so low, was forced to fly at just 100 feet off the ground and follow the "iron beam". There were eight targets on this mission. On his way to take photos over the third, his plane an F-6C (P-51C equipped for reconnaissance) was hit by flak and crashed into a field in Hochsheid, Germany.
Mr. Ploes, a German investigator stated that "the poor pilot came in low and had not the slightest chance to take evasive action, the flak just stood there at the 'right place' and shot the aircraft down immediately."
Officer Service No: O-669936
Mr. Ploes, a German investigator stated that "the poor pilot came in low and had not the slightest chance to take evasive action, the flak just stood there at the 'right place' and shot the aircraft down immediately."
Officer Service No: O-669936
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1st Liuetenant - Army Air Forces
Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron
World War II
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