World War II Honoree

James L. Gatlin

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Jacksonville, Florida

Honored By

William L. Beigel

Relationship

Researcher

LIEUTENANT. SERVED WITH THE 391ST BOMB GROUP (MEDIUM), WAS THE PILOT OF A B-26 NICKNAMED 'SILVER DOLLAR'. THE AIRCRAFT WAS SHOT DOWN ON DECEMBER 23, 1944, WHILE TRYING TO BOMB THE AHRWEILER RAILROAD BRIDGE IN GERMANY. HIS SURVIVING CREW MATES BELIEVED THAT HE WAS KILLED ON THE GROUND AFTER THE CRASH BY GERMAN CIVILIANS.