James Jenkins

See Document 1 for Awards and Decorations

See Document 2 for Jenkins Receives DFC

See Document 3 for DFC Award

See Document 4 for Jenkins bags NAZI Me-109

See Document 5 for Enemy Aircraft Claims for 304th Bomb Wing

James A. Jenkins

S/Sgt Jenkins was a ball turret gunner on Don Stevenson's crew. On April 25, 1944 during a mission to Turin, Italy their plane was hit by another B-24. That collision sheared off the control surfaces of the tail and killed S/Sgt Mike Maloney. The rest of the crew stayed with the aircraft and was able to finish the mission to Turin, Italy and land the aircraft at an emergency base. Each member of the crew was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was also awarded an oak leaf cluster for his Air Medal when he shot down an ME-109 during a mission over Munich on 9 Jun 44.

After his combat tour with the 459th Bomb Group, S/Sgt Jenkins returned to the United States and reunited with his wife, Bess, and daughter, Judy. He also returned to his previous specialty - aircraft maintenance. His military service continued until 1 Aug 69. In the course of his career, he saw service in two more wars - Korea and Vietnam and on five continents - North America, South America, Asia, Europe, and Africa. He also had two more children - James and Mary.

His military service was during a time of transition. His original exposure to the military was in the Civilian Military Training Corps where he was assigned to a cavalry unit (still with horses). He saw service in both the Army and Air Force, worked on piston (P-51s and B-24s), turboprop (C-130), and jet propelled (F-86s, F-100S, B-47s) aircraft and missiles (Atlas). He rose to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant.

In the 1980's he reconnected with his friends from the 459th Bomb Group and 759th Bomb Squadron, especially his old crew. He passed away April 17, 1991 after a short illness.

MACR: 4758

S/Sgt. James A Jenkins was assigned to the 459th BG 759th Squadron.
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): Ball Turret.

The following information on James Jenkins is gathered and extracted from military records. We have many documents and copies of documents, including military award documents. It is from these documents that we have found this information on S/Sgt. Jenkins. These serviceman's records are nowhere near complete and we are always looking for more material. If you can help add to James Jenkins's military record please contact us.

	Rank	General Order	Date	Award
James Jenkins	S/Sgt	226	04/16/1944	AM
James Jenkins	S/Sgt	506	05/17/1944	AM/OLC
James Jenkins	S/Sgt	923	06/08/1944	AM/2OLC
James Jenkins	S/Sgt	928	06/08/1944	DFC
James Jenkins	S/Sgt	1440	06/28/1944	AM/3OLC
James Jenkins	S/Sgt	1525	07/03/1944	AM/4OLC
James Jenkins	S/Sgt.	1875	07/16/1944	AM/5OLC