Captain James T. Crump, 363rd FS
( During the course of 50 plus years, it becomes hard to keep track of all members of former military units. Through the diligent efforts of Shaun Crump, here is what has been uncovered on 363rd FS member James Crump.)
Date of entry on active duty: 8 Feb 44
Military occ speciality and no.: Fighter Pilot, Single Engine 1055
Battles/campaigns: Northern France Germany Ardennes Dec and cit; Air Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters; EAME Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars; Distinguished Unit Citation Badge
Organization: 363rd Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Group 8th Air Force
Svc Outside Cont US: Date of departure: 14 Jul 44 to ETO/arr 21 Jul 44; 1 May 45 to USA/arr 12 May 45
Several newspaper articles are quoted:
“The “kid Texan,” husband of … flies in Colonel Donald W. Graham’s high-scoring fighter group which recently completed a one-week shuttle bombing trip to Russia and Italy.”
“Lt. Crump has named his fighter plane ” Lovin Lil” or “Lil” in honor of his wife, the former Lillie J. Griffin of the flyer’s address.”
Several news articles said he had one kill and one probable.
James Crump was killed 28 Jan 1965 in Uvalde, TX while flying an “alert” mission of Air Defense Command. He was a full Colonel, 39 years old. Higher Headquarters was working on papers to promote him to General. He was a great man. This information provided by his daughter Jamie Crump.
Information below was provide by Shaun Crump (not related) after doing research on James:
James Crump was assigned on the 17th Aug 1944, awarded an air medal on 12th Oct 1944 and awarded the last of 6 OLC on the 18th March 1945. Promoted to Captain sometime between 2 Feb 45 and 21 Mar 45. I am certain he did fly with Bud Anderson, as he was credited with a damaged FW190 on the 5th Dec 1944. I believe Bud was credited with 2 Victories and a Probable on the same day other pilots mentioned on the report for that day were Capt Bochkay, Capt Manthos, Lt Stern, Lt Rice & Lt Carter. He was credited with a victory (ME109) on the 24 Dec 1944, confirmation by a Lt Rice (George?) Other pilots mentioned in the report are Major Carlisle, Lt Carter, Lt Roberts, Lt Sloan and Lt Dunlop. He was involved in an incident when the 363rd came into contact with Yak 9’s on the 18th March 1945, which also involved Capt Ernest Tiede.
Born 5th March 1925 El Dorado Arkansas, Serial number 0711959 Flew 76 missions, after the war flew jets in Korea (not sure what unit), shot down but rescued behind enemy lines, Group commander 149th FG at Kelly AFB, Commandant Jet Instrument School, Ellington AFB, Commander Texas Air National Guard Kelly AFB, Graduated air war college 1964, Two daughters Jamie and Debbie.
If you have any other information on James Crump please contact Jim Anderson at jimswa@juno.com. Thanks.
