Lieutenant James A. McColgan was the third child among nine siblings: Joseph, Mary, August, Andrew, John, Patrick, Patricia, and Timothy. Growing up, he attended Mount Saint Joseph's School before pursuing further education at the City College of Baltimore. His journey into military service began early when he joined the Maryland National Guard while still in high school in 1935, later attending West Point Prep.

As World War II erupted, Lt. McColgan found himself commissioned as an officer in the army at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. Initially, he traveled with the Army War Show, a venture aimed at raising funds throughout the latter part of 1941 and 1942.

Transitioning into the Army Air Corps, he underwent training as a Bombardier on B-17s in Big Springs, Texas, during the summer of 1943. Subsequently, he participated in crew training in Ardmore, Oklahoma, with the 222nd Combat Crew Training during the winter of 1943/44. His original crew was assigned to the 452nd Bomb Group but was ultimately shot down on the Flatbush Floogie. Lt. McColgan, however, switched to a different crew, later known as the Golden Crew, assigned to the 447th, 708th Squadron.

Their journey to join the 447th in Rattlesden, England, involved several setbacks, including the unavailability of new B-17s in Nebraska. Eventually, they arrived in England in May 1944, undergoing training missions to acclimatize to European flying conditions. Lt. McColgan participated in the D-Day bombing runs in support of the invasion, coinciding with his brother's involvement with the 1st Infantry Division on Omaha Beach.

Tragically, on June 18th, 1944, Lt. McColgan's B-17G was shot down over Germany during a mission to bomb an oil refinery. Despite sustaining heavy damage, he assisted in the evacuation of the aircraft, ensuring the survival of most of his crew. Captured by German forces, he endured interrogation and spent nearly a year as a prisoner of war, facing harsh conditions that impacted his health for the rest of his life.  The Pilot Lt. Mark Golden was the only casualty from this mission, and it is believed his parachute failed to open during the evacuation of the plane.  

Following his liberation in May 1945, Lt. McColgan returned to the United States, where he received numerous accolades for his service, including the Air Medal and Purple Heart. He continued his military career, transitioning to the United States Air Force and serving in Korea as a trainer for bomb crews in Okinawa.  He would later serve in intelligence before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in the early 1960's.

Lt. James A. McColgan passed away in Florida in 1991, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and dedication to his country, cherished by his family and remembered by all who knew him.