Briefing Document: James Frederick Scott

Date: October 26, 2023

Subject: Summary of Biographical and Military Service Information for James Frederick Scott

Sources: Excerpt from "Pasted Text" (Provided Source)

1. Introduction:

This briefing document outlines the key biographical details and military service of James Frederick Scott, a US Army Air Forces pilot who died in action during World War II. The information is derived solely from the provided text.

2. Key Biographical Details:

Birth: James Frederick Scott was born on August 8, 1920, in Brownwood, Brown County, Texas.

Parents: His parents were Cherrie Isabell Cunningham (born 1895, died 1984) and Churchill Lasalle Scott (born 1887, died 1973).

Early Life:He is listed in the 1930, 1935 and 1940 census records living with his parents and brothers in Brownwood, Texas. In 1930 he was age 9, and in 1940, age 19.

Education: He had two years of college education and graduated from Howard Payne College

Pre-Military Occupation: Before enlisting, he worked as an usher in Brown County, Texas.

3. Military Service:

Enlistment: James F. Scott enlisted in the US Army National Guard at Camp Bowie, Brownwood, Texas, on November 25, 1940.

Army Air Forces: He entered pilot training at Kelley Field in 1942, graduating as a pilot.

Unit & Rank: He was a First Lieutenant (O-694188) in the US Army Air Forces, assigned to the 334th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force.

Deployment: He served in England and the European Theater of Operations.

Aircraft: He flew the North American P-51B-10-NA Mustang.

4. Fatal Mission and Death:

Date: June 8, 1944.

Mission: Combat fighter-bomber mission to targets near Le Mans, France.

Aircraft: His aircraft was P-51B s/n 43-7150.

Cause of Death: While turning to bomb an enemy target, his plane was struck mid-air by another P-51B (s/n 42-106823) piloted by 1Lt Eacott G. Allen, severing the tail and causing his plane to crash.

Location: East of Le Mans, France.

Casualty Status: James F. Scott was killed in action (KIA). 1Lt Eacott G. Allen bailed out, was injured, and evaded capture.

5. Burial and Repatriation:

Initial Burial: He was initially buried in a temporary grave near where he crashed.

Repatriation: His remains were repatriated to Texas in 1949.

Final Burial: Reinterred at Greenleaf Cemetery, Brownwood, Texas, on August 27, 1949, in a double funeral and burial with his brother, Churchill L. Scott.

6. Military Awards:

Distinguished Flying Cross

Air Medal with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters

Purple Heart

7. Key Quotes:

"First Lieutenant James F. Scott O-694188 US Army Air Forces 334th Fighter Squadron 4th Fighter Group 8th Air Force was piloting his North American P-51B-10-NA Mustang s/n 43-7150 out of Debden, England on 8 June 1944 on a combat fighter bomber mission..."

"...His P-51B s/n 43-7150 was making a turn to bomb an enemy target when another North American P-51B-15-NA Mustang s/n 42-106823 , pilot 1Lt Eacott G. Allen, hit midair and severed the tail causing the P-51B s/n 43-7150 to crash pilot KIA east of Le Mans, France."

"James was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Purple Heart."

8. Analysis/Significance:

The provided text provides a detailed snapshot of James Frederick Scott's life, particularly his service during World War II. The tragic nature of his death – a mid-air collision – highlights the inherent risks of aerial combat. The mention of his awards reflects his bravery and service to his country. Furthermore, the detail about his repatriation and final burial alongside his brother suggests the lasting impact of his loss on his family.

9. Conclusion:

This document summarizes the known details about James Frederick Scott from the provided text. His story represents the sacrifices made by countless American soldiers during World War II, and provides important details about a single service member's life, service, and loss.

This briefing document should serve as a comprehensive summary based on the single source provided.