Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
James
Rhea
Luper
POW (WWII), DNB (1953)
1914-02-19

–

1953-02-28

Born:

Salem

, 

Oregon

Home:

Portland

, 

Oregon

Buried: 

West Point

, 

New York

Cemetery:

U.S. Military Academy Post Cemetery

James Luper graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1938. As a U.S. Air Force Colonel, he died in an Air Accident in 1953.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    457th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 17 (January 27 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 Colonel (Air Corps) James Rhea Luper, United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Command Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber and as Commanding Officer of the 457th Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Luper, 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.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Germany)

    Action Date:

    October 1944 – 1945

    Colonel (Air Corps) James Rhea Luper, United States Army Air Forces, was captured by German forces after his aircraft was shot down on or about 7 October 1944, and was held as a Prisoner of War until the end of hostilities in May 1945.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    457th Bombardment Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) James Rhea Luper, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer, 457th Bombardment Group, EIGHTH Air Force, during World War II. 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    457th Bombardment Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) James Rhea Luper, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer, 457th Bombardment Group, EIGHTH Air Force, during World War II. 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.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Division:

    Strategic Air Command

    Action Date:

    1951 – 1953
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel James Rhea Luper, United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with the Strategic Air Command from 1951 to 1953.