James E. Rutherford.
Pilot · 328th Squadron · Of Decatur County, IN.
The man.
Flew to England July 1943 as tail gunner on a B-24 bomber. In August 1943, spent time in Africa on detached service with the 8th Air Force. On Oct. 1, 1943, was wounded on a bombing mission from North Africa to Wiener Neustadt (railroad yards).
Service record.
Missions flown.
Before and after.
Born Feb. 12, 1922 on a farm in Decatur County, near Greensburg, IN. Married June 20, 1942 to Virginia Bean. Inducted into service Sept. 26, 1942. Basic training in Denver, CO; gunnery training in Las Vegas, NV.
Received medical discharge on Feb. 24, 1945. Received Air Medal, Silver Star, and Purple Heart. Worked for U.S. Postal Service, retiring in 1977 after 32 years. Following the death of his wife Virginia, married Kathryn Braley in 1985. One daughter Linda; Kathryn has four children and eight grandchildren.