HomeMy WebLinkAboutAC144_JAMES_DAVID_PROCTOR_PAPERSDescriptive Sheet
The James David Proctor AC -199
Papers
General Type: Papers
Physical Description: 2 linear
ft. Inclusive Dates: 1941-1945
Donor: Mrs. Laura Proctor
James David Proctor (1918-1991) was born and qrew up in
Beaumont. He qraduated from Beaumont Hiqh School and attended
Lamar Colleqe where he was in the first civilian pilot traininq
class sponsored by Lamar Colleqe. In March of 1941, he joined the
Army Air Force and attended fliqht school at Kelly Air Field in San
Antonio. In September of 1942 he became a member of General Claire
L. Chennault's famous "Flyinq Tiqer's Squadron" in the China, India
and Burma theater, flyinq a total of fifty-three (53) combat
missions aqainst the Japanese occupyinq forces durinq World War II.
He was once shot down behind enemy lines and aided by Chinese
qorillas and peasants and traveled more than 130 miles in four
days before reachinq the safety of his squadron. Havinq completed
his combat tour in 1943, Captain Proctor returned home havinq
been awarded the Distinquished Flyinq Cross, the Silver Star,
the Air medal, the Chinese Air Hero Medal, the American Defense
Medal with a bronze service star, and the American Theater Medal
with a bronze service star.
This collection consists of Lt. Colonel Proctor's military
records, one (1) scrapbook consistinq of military photoqraphs and
other World War II memorabilia, and the American Flaq worn on
the back of his fliqht jacket at the time he was shot down over
enemy territory.
No restrictions apply.