75th Fighter Squadron pilot Lt. James M. Taylor was forced to bail-out when his engine failed during a dog-fight with Japanese fighters over Hengyang, China. He was captured by the Japanese and was a Prisoner of War for 10 months and one of . . . |
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Taylor:
I just received word of Buddy's death which was a big shock to me. I know he was a great loss to you, too, for he was fond of his family. He spoke of you so often and intimately that he made me feel that I knew you well. I have missed him a great deal in the past 10 months that we have been separated. I have been trying to join his squadron for a good while but was never able to do so. I hope it will give you some comfort to know that he was killed in actual combat rather than on a training mission as so many of our boys are lost. I understand he had a grand record up until that time, of which I know you are proud. I was so pleased to get your Christmas card. Please, know that I am sharing your sorrow a great deal. Sincerely, Hugh |
The Diddled Dozen: Front row left to right: 1st Lt. Freland K. Mathews, 1st Lt. James Wall , 1st Lt. Vern D. Shaefer, Donald Quigley, 2nd Lt. James Thomas, Capt. Don Burch. Back Row left to right: 2 Lt Sam McMillan, Lt. James Taylor 1st Lt. Harry Klota, Howard, 1st Lt.Walter A. Ferris, 2nd Lt Sam Chambliss |
|