Capt. James A Gunn Jr, flew in the 343rd Bomb Squadron, and the 98th Bomb Group, on the deadly Ploesti mission. he flew on the left side of Flight Three's airplanes and was shot down by the heavy flak over his target, White IV. Capt. gun and all of his crew were killed in the crash of their B-24 Liberator bomber - KIA, over Ploesti. Because Capt. Gunn's remains were never identified, he was classified Missing In Action, MIA - later KIA. He was awarded the Silver Star, The Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Purple Heart medals for his flying skill, his valor, determination, and his sacrifice, in attacking and bombing his target against impossible odds, without any consideration or regard to his own safety. August 1, 1943.