James McIntire - Liuetenant Junior Grade

Rank: Liuetenant Junior Grade
Date Of Birth: Jan 25, 1921
Date Of Death: Jun 20, 1944
War / Conflict: World War II
Hometown: Cresco, Iowa
Gold Star Hall - Wall Location: West Wall (by Entrance Door)
Service Ribbons Awarded:
  • Air Medal with V (for valor) (Somalia)
  • Purple Heart

Biography

Year at ISU: 1943

Lieutenant Junior Grade James O. Mcintyre was born January 25, 1921. He came to Iowa State College from his hometown of Cresco, Iowa. He studied Dairy Industry before leaving college to enter the Navy at Kansas City, Missouri on July 7, 1942.

On March 30, 1943, he was appointed ensign. He made lieutenant junior grade on May 1, 1944. He served as a fighter pilot with air group 8 aboard The Bunkerhill, an Essex-class aircraft carrier.

On June 19, 1944, during the initial phases of the Marianas invasion, a Japanese aerial bomb struck the Bunkerhill, sending shrapnel across several decks. The attack killed two sailors and 80 more were wounded.

Lieutenant McIntire died the following day, June 20, 1944. After his death, his Purple Heart and Air Medal were sent to his father, Harry O. McIntire.

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