James A Gunn Jr
MilitaryAdded details. - Kickapoo
~ Capt. James A. Gunn, Jr, was Killed In Action (KIA) on the bombing mission over the oil refineries at Ploesti, Romania, in his B-24D, 42-40364. 1 Aug, 43.
He was a Command B-24D pilot assigned to the 343rd Bomb Squadron, and the 98th Bomb Group, on the deadly Ploesti mission. He flew on the left side of Flight Three's airplanes and was shot down by the heavy flak over his target, The Astra Romano refinery complex, code named, White IV. - Capt. Gunn and seven of his crew were killed in the crash of their B-24 Liberator bomber - KIA, over Ploesti. SSgt Stanley M. Horine Jr. parachuted out of the B-24 and was the only survivor, becoming a POW that day. Because Capt. Gunn's remains were never identified, he was first classified, Missing In Action, MIA - later classified as a Finding of Death from the crash. He was awarded the Silver Star for his flying skill, his valor, determination, and his sacrifice, in attacking and bombing his target against impossible odds, without any consideration or regard to his own safety for the 1 Aug 1943 raid on Ploesti. He had previously earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters for missions flown in 1943. He was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously.
Captain Gunn's Silver Star Citation:
JAMES A. GUNN, JR., O-791098, Captain, 343rd Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group. For gallantry in action while participating in operations against the Ploesti Oil Refineries of Romania on 1 August, 1943. Captain Gunn, pilot of heavy bombardment aircraft and leader of one of the elements during this long-range, low-altitude assault on one of the greatest production centers of the Axis, distinguished himself by outstanding gallantry, superb airmanship, and invincible determination. Flying at 200 feet over the target, through smoke and roaring flames, oil tank explosions, exploding bombs, barrage balloons and a violent concentration of heavy flak, he kept to his course and went over the target. The valor he displayed when faced with overwhelming odds and great peril will serve as a lasting inspiration to the men of the United States Army Air Forces. Captain Gunn is missing in action: Next of kin: Senator James A. Gunn, Sr., (Father) Turners Falls, Massachusetts.
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Ninth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Ninth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 98th Bomb Group 343rd Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 19032952 / O-736686
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Bombardier
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 98th Bomb Group 343rd Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 19100012
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 98th Bomb Group 343rd Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 15096200 / O-730276
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Navigator
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 98th Bomb Group 343rd Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 16098271
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 98th Bomb Group 343rd Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 32450700
- Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
- Role/Job: Radio Operator
Aircraft
Missions
- Date: 1 August 1943
- Official Description:
Places
- Site type: Airfield
- Known as: Soluch Airfield
Events
Event | Location | Date | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Born |
Turners Falls, Massachusetts | 28 September 1919 | Son of James A Sr and Ruth [Severance] Gunn. |
Enlisted |
Boston, MA | 18 December 1941 | Boston, Massachusetts |
Died |
Macedonia (FYROM) | 1 August 1943 | |
Buried |
12 July 1949 | Arlington National Cemetery Arlington , Virginia Grave 107, Section 15 | |
Based |
Benina | 1 August 1943 | Assigned to 343BS, 98BG, 9AF USAAF. |
Buried |
Springdale Cemetery Montague, Franklin County, MA | Memorialised Springdale Cemetery Montague, Franklin County, Massachusetts |
Revisions
Updated awards and data in bio section based on official government documents.
Corrected a typo in the "Summary biography" - “Romania” was misspelled.
Modified Silver Star citation verbatim per General Order.
Modified biography event to reflect other to denote In Memory Of marker at Springdale Cemetery, Montague, Franklin County, Massachusetts. Marker states "Now Resting With His Crew In Arlington Cemetery"
According to his entry date, he earned the ACM and at least one bronze star device, and possibly more, on the EAME Campaign Medal.
Added a "-" to the A/C serial # in the "Summary biography" to aid clarity & consistency.
Awarded Silver Star for his actions on the 1 Aug 1943 Ploesti raid.
Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia / MACR 165