Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
James
Forrest
Luma
August 27, 1922

–

Born:

Helena

, 

Montana

Home:

Helena

, 

Montana

Because he was too young to enter flight training in the United States, James Luma joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and sent to England. He was transferred to the U.S. Army Air Forces but was attached to RCAF No. 418 Squadron to continue training in night-fighting techniques, becoming an ACE credited with shooting down 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. In 1944, he was finally transferred to a U.S. Army Air Forces Squadron, serving until July 1945.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    802d Reconnaissance Group

    Division:

    U.S. Strategic Air Forces in Europe

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Air Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 43 (March 30, 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) James Forrest Luma (ASN: 0-885995), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 418th Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force, and then with the 802d Reconnaissance Group, U.S. Strategic Air Forces in Europe, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Luma, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    418th Squadron

    Division:

    Royal Canadian Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Air Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 43 (1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) James Forrest Luma (ASN: 0-885995), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot of the418th Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force in action against the enemy in aerial combat during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.