1st Lieutenant James K. Bingaman was born on September 12, 1919. His next of kin was his wife, Brigid E. Bingaman. At the time of his loss, he had an infant daughter, Victoria Elizabeth, born 29/12/1943. He was not supposed to fly the mission on which he was lost, but volunteered in order to complete his required 30 missions sooner. His father was Virgil Bingaman; his mother was Kitty LaFleur/Mrs. Harold Smith. He entered the Air Corps from Seattle, Washington.

Lt Bingaman was the pilot of B-24 tail #41-28650, nicknamed “Rooster,” of the 453rd Bomb Group, 732nd Bomb Squadron. His B-24 was shot down over Wessendorf, Germany, on April 8, 1944. He was the only member of his crew to be killed.

The remains of Lt Bingaman were never recovered.



Awards: Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart