Military Veterans

Celebration of Freedom panel

James Wesley Brown

Date of Birth

23 July 1923

Date of Death

13 December 1966

Brick Location

Liberty Side

Panel Number

16

Biography

Tech Sergeant James Wesley Brown served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.  His dates of service were 31 October 1942 to 13 September 1945. 

Jim flew 31 missions over enemy occupied territory.  He shot down—was credited for—two and one-half enemy planes.  He was stationed in England during the Summer Blitz of 1944.  

His awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, an Air Medal, and a World War II Victory Medal.

After the war, he returned home and married Treva Potter on 22 November 1945.  They had one son—Terry J. Brown, and one daughter—Lavonna Sue Brown Hoefgen.  

Following the war, Jim was an officer in the National Guard for 21 years.

Jim died 13 December 1966 of a heart attack.

Branch:

U.S. Army Air Corps

Awards and Medals

Rank

Technical Sergeant

Duty

U. S. 8th Army Air Force

Top Turret Gunner in B-17; Instructor; Engineer