James S. Varnell Jr.
James Sullins Varnell Jr. (December 9, 1921 – April 9, 1945) was a United States Army Air Forces fighter ace who was credited with shooting down 17 aircraft during World War II; he was the top ace of the 52nd Fighter Group.[1][2][3]
P-51 Mustangs of the 52nd Fighter Group
James Sullins Varnell Jr. | |
|---|---|
 Lt. James S. Varnell in his P-51 Mustang "Little Eva" | |
| Nickname(s) | Sully |
| Born | December 9, 1921 Charleston, Tennessee |
| Died | April 9, 1945 (aged 23) Pinellas Army Air Field |
| Buried | |
| Service/ | United States Army Air Forces |
| Rank | Major |
| Service number | O-798378 |
| Unit | 52nd Fighter Group |
| Awards | Air Medal American Campaign Medal Distinguished Flying Cross Silver Star World War II Victory Medal European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal |
See also
References
- Air Force Association (1998). Air Force Fifty. Turner Publishing Company. pp. 58–. ISBN 978-1-56311-409-0.
- Tom Ivie; Paul Ludwig (1 September 2013). Spitfires & Yellow Tail Mustangs: The U.S. 52nd Fighter Group in WWII. Stackpole Books. pp. 87–. ISBN 978-1-4617-5171-7.
- Frisbee, John, L. (1993-01-01). "Valor: Ace Among Aces". Air Force Magazine. Air Force Association. Retrieved 2018-06-15.
When James "Sully" Varnell's squadron moved to an area where enemy fighters abounded, he rapidly became one of USAAF's top aces.
External links
- James S. Varnell Jr. at Find a Grave
- "Edit entry James Sullins Varnell Jr". American Air Museum in Britain. Imperial War Museums. Retrieved 2018-06-14.
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