Joseph H. James, Jr.
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces

On 11 July 1943, Staff Sergeant Joseph H. James, Jr. was serving as Gunner of a B-26 Invader Bomber in the 440th Bombardment Squadron, 319th Bombardment Group (Medium), Twelfth Air Force.

On that day, SSG James’ unit was in action against German forces while participating in a bombing mission against enemy targets in the North African Theater of Operations. 1LT Davis’ courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day, at the cost of his life, earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Air Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Pin and 3 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Presidential Unit Citation
Aerial Gunner Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Joseph H. James (14037407), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Gunner of a B-26 Medium Bomber in the 440th Bombardment Squadron, 319th Bombardment Group (M), TWELFTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 11 July 1943, against enemy targets in the North African Theater of Operations. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant James on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 12th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.

Headquarters: U.S. Army-North African Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 100 (1943)

Burial

Staff Sergeant Joseph H. James, Jr. is buried at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial in Nettuno, Città Metropolitana di Roma Capitale, Lazio, Italy in Plot A, Row 13, Grave 24.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56310448/joseph-h-james