World War II Honoree

James A. Cunningham

Branch of Service

U.S. Coast Guard

Hometown

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Honored By

Robert S. Cox

ENLISTED IN THE COAST GUARD (USCG) AFTER GRADUATION FROM HIGH SCHOOL. SERVED IN THE EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN THEATER ABOARD THE USCG-MANNED ATTACK TRANSPORT SHIP USS SAMUEL CHASE (APA-56). THE SHIP WAS CALLED THE 'LUCKY CHASE' BECAUSE OF ITS MANY MIRACULOUS ESCAPES DURING ENEMY ACTIONS. PARTICIPATED IN 5 MAJOR OPERATIONS WHILE ABOARD THE USS CHASE, INCLUDING THE NORTH AFRICAN OCCUPATION, SICILIAN OCCUPATION, SALERNO LANDINGS, INVASION OF NORMANDY, AND INVASION OF SOUTHERN FRANCE CAMPAIGNS. HIS SHIP WAS ENGAGED PRIMARILY IN LANDING TROOPS BUT ALSO SERVED AS A FLAGSHIP AND EVACUATED WOUNDED TROOPS. AWARDED THE AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, AND WWII VICTORY MEDAL. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AND ISSUED THE WWII HONORABLE DISCHARGE LAPEL PIN.