James P Hodges
MilitaryAssigned to 453BS, 323BG, 9AF USAAF. Failed to Return (FTR) bombing mission to Germany 23-Dec-1944. A/C B-26 41-31896 took a direct or near direct hit in port engine and went into a uncontrolled spin. Crew did not manage to bale out. Killed in Action (KIA). MACR 11659.
Awards: PH.
Connections
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Units served with
![Private First Class Barbara O'Brien of the Womens Army Corps, paints the nose of a B-26 Marauder (YU-Y. serial number 41-34982) nicknamed "Jolly Roger" of the 323rd Bomb Group. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for Publcation 4 Dec 1943.' [stamp] and '295589.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'W.A.C.S. on duty at a Bomber Station. Associated Press Photo shows:- Pfc: Barbara O'Brien painting the Jolly Roger on the nose of a Marauder with the crew looking on.'](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-380000.jpg.webp?itok=SSrEVQvb)
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Ninth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 453rd Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-700857
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: B-26 Marauder
- Nicknames: Circle Jerk Louisiana Mud Hen
- Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 453rd Bomb Squadron
Missions
- Date: 23 December 1944
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Enlisted |
Asheville, NC, USA | 7 November 1942 | |
|
Died Shot d |
Nth of Bitburg, Germany | 23 December 1944 | Failed to Return (FTR) bombing mission to Germany 23-Dec-1944. A/C B-26 41-31896 took a direct or near direct hit in port engine and went into a uncontrolled spin. Crew did not manage to bale out. KIA. MACR 11659. |
|
Born |
Buncombe County, NC, USA | ||
| North Carolina, USA | |||
|
Based |
Earls Colne | 23 December 1944 | Assigned to 453BS, 323BG, 9AF USAAF. |
|
Buried |
Lemay, MO 63125, USA | Memorialised Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery Lemay St. Louis County Missouri, USA |