James Oliver Combest

Military

Assigned to 407BS, 92BG, 8AF USAAF. Took off from Goose Bay in YB-40 42-5732 en route to Meeks Field, Iceland but there was a severe storm in that area. Aiming toward an alternate base while dealing with the storm, the plane was running out of fuel. Pilot made a crash landing at Brenish on the Isle of Lewis, UK. 7-May-43 RTD



Killed on 28-Jun-43 mission to Saint Nazaire, aboard B-17 piloted by Lt Stafford W Webb; Hit in abdomen by large chunk of flak, no 1st aid possible, died within 30 seconds of being hit. Killed in Action (KIA)



Awards: PH.

Connections

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Units served with

The insignia of the 92nd Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 92nd Bomb Group 326th Bomb Squadron 327th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 16052088 / O-792103
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 92nd Bomb Group 407th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-791358
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Aircraft

Second Lt. Donald E Weir - 326th Bomb Squadron Eighth Air Force WWII
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: The mugger
  • Unit: 92nd Bomb Group 327th Bomb Squadron

Missions

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Born

Casey County, KY 11 July 1916 Son of Thomas Marion and Susan Armilda 'Susie' [Holder] Combest.

Enlisted

Kalamazoo, MI 23 January 1942

Died

Saint Nazaire 28 June 1943 Killed on 28-Jun-43 mission to Saint Nazaire, aboard B-17 piloted by Lt Stafford W Webb; Hit in abdomen by large chunk of flak. Killed in Action (KIA)

Buried

Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial, Coton, UK 29 June 1943 Interred Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial Coton, South Cambridgeshire District, Cambridge

Buried

Mill Springs National Cemetery, Nancy, KY Re-Interred Mill Springs National Cemetery Nancy, Pulaski County, KY Pllot D, 0, 791-B

Based

Podington 28 June 1943 Assigned to 407BS, 92BG, 8AF USAAF.