321st - Lt. James M. Atkins

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dwyattfree
Posts: 3
Joined: 11 Nov 2019 1243

321st - Lt. James M. Atkins

Post by dwyattfree » 24 Dec 2022 0323

My father, James T. Freeman of Oklahoma City, was a gunner/photographer on the crew of Lt. James M. Atkins in the 321st "Bombs Away" Squadron. I don't seem to have any names or information for other members of the crew and would be interested to know if anyone here does. I have a fair amount of photos I can share, have my dad's Jolly Rogers patches, yearbooks, ring, and assorted other stuff. I'm attaching a pic of the crew (dad is down in front in the light color fatigues) and a scan of an interesting item I've never seen pics of before—a sheet of onion skin Jolly Rogers stationery my dad managed to hang onto for all those years. Looking forward to hearing from folks, and hope y'all have a Merry Christmas and happy holidays.

Cheers,
Doug Freeman
Los Angeles, CA
Atkins Crew 2.jpg
Jolly Rogers Stationery copy.jpg

Bob Tupa
Posts: 74
Joined: 14 Nov 2019 2103

Re: 321st - Lt. James M. Atkins

Post by Bob Tupa » 30 Dec 2022 1755

Here is a crew list that I have.

ATKINS, JAMES MARTIN, #678138, 321st Sqdn. Ughetta, Papul #833448, (cp), Colrick, Billy B. #2069950, (n), Tucker, Robert J. #926945, (b), Freeman, Jimmy T. #35407632, (ae), Hirsch, Victor N. #37738670, (g), Lamorte, nfn, #32709529, (photo), Doners, Charles E. #37358136, (g), Wilkerson, Jack L. #34624428, (e), Terry, Ernest D. #19164771, (ro), Thourer, Willard E. #34891811, (g). From my microfilm # 0442, no date available.

Bob Tupa
Posts: 74
Joined: 14 Nov 2019 2103

Re: 321st - Lt. James M. Atkins

Post by Bob Tupa » 30 Dec 2022 1804

Here is another list which I believe is your father despite the middle initial and a digit in the serial. It is from the Sunset project where the new planes were returned to the States with the crews with the most time in the war zone. One of these guy is still with us and if you want to contact me direct I can give you his email address.

BARR, WILLIAM G. Jr. #831837, 319th Sqdn. crew # 2, Rich, Kenneth W. #2024034, (cp), Ryan, Joseph #930709, (n), Hoffman, Werner J. #36758533, (e), Sparkman, James E. #39340357, (ro), Treadwell, Lamar E. #38404754, (cc), Carlson, Charles W. #31376190, (x), Freeman, James E. #38407632, (x). From Coleman’s orders, on plane #44-42444, crew to U S, on SUNSET, 10-4-1945.

dwyattfree
Posts: 3
Joined: 11 Nov 2019 1243

Re: 321st - Lt. James M. Atkins

Post by dwyattfree » 30 Dec 2022 2155

This is fabulous, Bob, thank you so much! The first (Atkins) list must be the crew he did his 43 bombing missions with. It's fun to see him listed there as "Jimmy," as that's what his pals always called him. (He was also a jazz trumpeter and I think managed to play some even during his WWII service overseas.) His serial number in the Atkins list is one digit off, however, the correct one being 38407632, as shown in the second Sunset Project listing, despite the incorrect middle initial "E." That 10-4-1945 US return date squares with what I have in his notes. Thanks again.

Best,
Doug

dwyattfree
Posts: 3
Joined: 11 Nov 2019 1243

Re: 321st - Lt. James M. Atkins

Post by dwyattfree » 01 Jan 2023 1825

Hi Bob, it looks like I don't have enough posts here to message you directly. I'd be delighted to reach out to the Sunset Project vet, however. My email address is dwyattfree@gmail.com . Thanks.

Best,
Doug

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