James Van Ness
Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces

On 1 August 1943, then-Technical Sergeant James Van Ness was serving as Flight Engineer and Top Turret Gunner on B-24D Liberator Bomber (SN 41-11766) nicknamed 'Chug A Lug,' in the 345th Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Ninth Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces.

On that day, TSGT Van Ness’ unit was in action against German forces while participating in a bombing mission against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania. During a long and hazardous attack against a vital enemy oil installation made at low-altitude by a formation of B-24 type aircraft, TSGT Van Ness acquitted himself with great skill as his aircraft flew through one of the most heavily defended areas of Europe. Over the blazing target, TSGT Van Ness, with heroic calm and unflinching loyalty, remained steadfast by his guns. TSGT Van Ness’ courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Out of a crew of 10, TSGT Van Ness was the only man KIA; 2 other men were WIA.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross (G.O. #86, Headquarters, 9th Air Force, 11 September 1943)
Air Medal (G.O. #8, Headquarters, IX Bomber Command, 15 June 1943)
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
Aerial Gunner Badge
Flight Engineer Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Technical Sergeant James Van Ness (ASN: 12049940), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Flight Engineer and Gunner on a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 345th Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 1 August 1943, against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania. During a long and hazardous attack against a vital enemy oil installation made at low-altitude by a formation of B-24 type aircraft, Technical Sergeant Van Ness acquitted himself with great skill as his aircraft flew through one of the most heavily defended areas of Europe. Over the blazing target, Technical Sergeant Van Ness, with heroic calm and unflinching loyalty, remained steadfast by his guns. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Technical Sergeant Van Ness on this occasion, at the cost of his life, exemplified the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.

Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army Air Force, General Orders No. 86 (1943)

Burial

Technical Sergeant James Van Ness is buried at First Reformed Church Cemetery in Pompton Plains, Morris County, NJ.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/107799185/james-van_ness