- Date Of Birth: November 21, 1917
- Date Of Death: February 12, 2013
- State: Florida
James L. Harcrow, LT Col USAF Ret, 95 of Fort Walton Beach passed away at a local hospital on Feb. 12th. He was born November 21, 1917 in Ennis, Texas to J. Linsey and Iva Harcrow.
He graduated from the Aviation Cadet program of the Army Air Corps in May ’41, and was sent to Hemet Field, CA, then Moffett Field, CA where he got his wings. He checked out in the B-17 at Davis-Montham AFB, AZ, and immediately was sent to CA to pick up a brand new B-17 and fly it to Australia, where he entered combat.
He flew 56 combat missions in the B-17 and logged 325 combat hours over Rabaul Harbor, during the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, to name a few. He was awarded three Distinguished Flying Crosses and four Air Medals during this tour.
At the end of his tour, he returned to the states and checked out in the B-29 and instructed in that aircraft. At the end of the Pacific War, he was sent to Japan as part of the military occupation and governing command. He later returned for a second tour.
He returned to Kelly AFB in Texas. While there, he was awarded the Soldier’s Medal for rescuing someone from an aircraft that had crashed on takeoff. He had been at Base Ops when the crash occurred, and got to the site before the Fire Department did, pulling the man to safety. He was credited with saving the man’s life.
Later he was sent to Hill AFB, where he was a C-124 Squadron Commander (logged about 2500 hours in the C-124 there), then on to Robins AFB, GA in Material Command.
He retired in 1968 after 28 years of active duty during which he logged 8,000 hours total time in 26 different aircraft.
He loved Fort Walton Beach, Fl.
He is predeceased by both his parents, his wife of 53 years, Roberta J. Harcrow and his sister, Lennie Muchow. Survivors include his brother, Jimmy Harcrow (Mary) of Dallas, TX., Sister in-law Eleanor Ferguson of Sacramento, CA., Son, Ret LTCOL Robert Harcrow of Phoenix, AZ., Daughters, Patricia Harcrow-Orr (Joe Orr) of Mary Esther, FL., and Nancy Mann (John, Col Ret) of Colorado Springs, CO. Four Grandchildren, Stacy Harcrow of CA., LCDR Krista Mann of VA., Capt. John Michael Mann of Germany and Casey Mann of GA. and Niece, Lynette Baugh (Jarod) of TX and numerous members of Lynette’s family.
Special Appreciation to Home In Stead Senior Care, Sharon Hawkins a VA Care Giver, Medical Staff providers, both civilian and military who have served the family so well.
