Assigned to 735BS, 453BG, 8AF USAAF. Failed to Return (FTR) Hamm 22-Apr-44 in B-24 42-64490 'Cee Gee II'; intercepted by enemy aircraft over Channel, hit in port engine and wing (with wing fuel tank afire), with hydraulics and comm's out pilot and co-pilot stayed with A/C to allow crew to bale out. A/C crashed in marshland near Southwold, England. Killed in Action (KIA). No MACR



Awards: DSC, PH, EAME.



DSC Synopsis:

First Lieutenant (Air Corps) James S. Munsey (ASN: O-686583), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as an Officer of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 735th Bombardment Squadron, 453d Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 22 April 1944, against enemy targets in the European Theatre of Operations. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Munsey on this occasion, at the cost of his life, have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.