James J. Sussman was born in 1918 in New York City, Borough of the Bronx, State of New York. Mr. Sussman was one of five brothers all of whom served in WWII. Mr. Sussman's brother, Milton, lost a leg at Normandy.

Most of what I know about my father was handed down to me by his parents, (my Grandparents), and my Uncles and Aunts.

He graduated from James Monroe High School in 1936. In an uncertain age he watched as America drifted into isolationism and flirted with authoritarian government and then arose and fiercely combated the challenge to freedom and democracy. He believed in America; for him the USA was an exceptional country and he was very patriotic.

He was special to me, to his parents, to his siblings. He was one of many very special young men and women who willingly served our country during a very perilous moment in history.

There was never a question about enlisting; it was necessary and it was the correct thing to do.

Eventually he flew missions against the enemy and bombed enemy cities and structures. He was part of a B-17 crew and he loved the airplane. I think of him often, particularly when I fly my airplane.

I once read an inscription on a monument located near Station 109 and erected in memory of the American airmen who fell in defense of the Anglo-American ideal.

The inscription reads: "Each day the men of the 92nd Bomb Group departed from this aerodrome. Each day the men of the 92nd Bomb Group looked evil in the eye; they never blinked."

Well said. It is that inscription which encapsulates the memory of my father. It has brought comfort to me over the many years since that last mission. It expresses, perfectly, the way he lived: with honor, loyalty and a commitment to his duty.