TSgt. James Van Ness was was assigned to the 345th Bomb Squadron, the 98th Bomb Group, and the 9th Air Force, USAAF. He was the flight engineer and top turret gunner on the crew of the B-24D, 41-11766, named, Chug-A-Lug. He flew on the bombing mission to destroy the German held oil refineries at Ploesti, Rumania, and was killed in action, (KIA) mortally hit by flak splinters during the mission. - Died of Wounds (DOW), later changed to : Killed in Action (KIA). 1 Aug, 1943



TSgt. James Van Ness was awarded his nation's second highest honor for his valor and his sacrifice defending his airplane and his crewmembers over Ploesti, Romania. 1 August 1943.



Awards: Distinguished Service Cross, Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal



Distinguished Service Cross Citation :

"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), 9th 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)