November 9, 1942 The first low level bombing of the sub pens St. Nazaire, France--10,000; Schweinfurt March 24, 1944; Berlin May 19, 1944; Poesnan May 29, 1944; D-Day June 6, 1944. On D-Day flew the only unauthorized mission with no bombs,no guns, no ammunition and no credit for the mission!. He was asked by General William Gross, commander of the First Combat Wing to put a crew together and fly him over the action and observe the bombing and the landings.



James McPartlin had joined the Air Cadet programme in July 1941 and was first assigned to the 20th Pursuit Group. He then moved to the 91st Bomber Group being one of the origianal group who came to England in September 1942. He was first appointed Operations Officer of the 401st, then its Squadron Commander. During his time in the Air Corps he was - among other assignments - Wing Commander of the 439th Fighter Wing and 442nd Troop Carrier Wing and amassed 4000 hours flying hours. In 1963 he was promoted Brigadier General.



Following his retirement in 1970 he joined the executive staff of Pearle Vision Center in Dallas.



DFC Oak Leaf Cluster, AM 5Oak Leaf Cluster, and 2 PUC, EAME w/ 2 Battle Stars, Victory Medal, Campaign Ribbons