James served as a Corporal, 32nd Photographic Squadron, 5th Reconnaissance Group, U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.

He resided in Ventura County, California prior to the war.

He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on November 30, 1942 in Los Angeles County, California. He was noted, at the time of his enlistment, as being employed as a Mechanic and also as Single, without dependents.

James was a passenger on the S.S. Paul Hamilton (Hull Number 227) when the ship was sunk off Algiers in the Mediterranean Sea by a aerial torpedo dropped by a German Ju 88 bomber. The ship sank within 30 seconds due to the high amount of explosives on board. A total of approximately 580 men where lost.

James was declared "Missing In Action" in this sinking during the war.

He was awarded the Purple Heart.

Service # 19177182

( Bio by: Russ Pickett )

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The U.S.S. Lansdale (DD-426) and the S.S. Royal Star were also sunk in this attack.
The Lansdale had a loss of Forty-seven officers and men.
The Royal Star lost only one member of their crew.

The Lansdale received four battle stars for World War II service.

James served as a Corporal, 32nd Photographic Squadron, 5th Reconnaissance Group, U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.

He resided in Ventura County, California prior to the war.

He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on November 30, 1942 in Los Angeles County, California. He was noted, at the time of his enlistment, as being employed as a Mechanic and also as Single, without dependents.

James was a passenger on the S.S. Paul Hamilton (Hull Number 227) when the ship was sunk off Algiers in the Mediterranean Sea by a aerial torpedo dropped by a German Ju 88 bomber. The ship sank within 30 seconds due to the high amount of explosives on board. A total of approximately 580 men where lost.

James was declared "Missing In Action" in this sinking during the war.

He was awarded the Purple Heart.

Service # 19177182

( Bio by: Russ Pickett )

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The U.S.S. Lansdale (DD-426) and the S.S. Royal Star were also sunk in this attack.
The Lansdale had a loss of Forty-seven officers and men.
The Royal Star lost only one member of their crew.

The Lansdale received four battle stars for World War II service.