World War II Honoree

James Linuel 'Rip' Collins

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Rye, Texas

Honored By

Donna & Donny Valdes, Dennis Collins

Relationship

Daughter, Son-in-law & Son

SERVED FROM 1940 - 1944 WITH THE 8TH AIR RECONNAISSANCE OPERATION NAVY AND DID SUBMARINE PATROL FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE TO THE CARIBBEAN. HE WAS A MEMBER OF THE 451ST BOMBARDMENT GROUP, 726TH SQUADRON IN ITALY AND SERVED AS FLIGHT ENGINEER ON B-24 LIBERATOR. HE FLEW 37 SORTIES AND 50 BOMBING MISSIONS OUT OF FOGGIA, ITALY. HE ALSO FLEW A MISSION OVER PLOESTI, ROMANIA ON D-DAY. WHEN HE RETURNED TO THE STATES TO TEXAS, HE WORKED AS AN INSTRUCTOR AT GUNNERY SCHOOL AT HARLINGEN AIRFORCE BASE.