World War II Honoree

James W. Griffis

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Lansing, Michigan

Honored By

James W. Griffis

Relationship

Self

ENLISTED MARCH 27, 1939. COMMISSIONED SEPTEMBER 29, 1942. ASSIGNED TO THE 20TH FIGHTER GROUP AS A P-39 PILOT. TRAINED AS P-38 TRANSPORT PILOT AT MONROE ARMY AIR FIELD. ASSIGNED TO THE 14TH FIGHTER GROUP IN NORTH AFRICA; LATER SENT TO 1ST FIGHTER GROUP, 94TH FIGHTER SQUADRON. BAILED OUT OF A P-38 DURING A BOMBER ESCORT MISSION. PRISONER OF WAR AT STALAG LUFT I UNTIL MAY 1, 1945. AWARDED DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS WITH OAK LEAF CLUSTER, PURPLE HEART, AIR MEDAL WITH OAK LEAF CLUSTER, POW MEDAL AND EUROPEAN THEATER RIBBON WITH 8 BATTLE STARS.