KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- U.S. Army Air Service Staff Sgt. James Garrard, 44th Bomb Group B-24 tail gunner, from Greenwood served in World War II.
During the war, Garrard often wrote home expressing his admiration for the resolve of the American soldiers fighting far from home.
“It seems to express so well the sentiment of our boys fighting all over the globe, who fearlessly day in and day out face men trained for years in the art of modern war, not only fearlessly but successfully,” wrote Garrard. “These are the boys who were trained but a few weeks, a few months at the most. Boys from the farms are flying planes, running tanks, operating modern artillery.”
Garrard was killed in 1943 while returning from a bombing mission over Leece, Italy, his 18th Combat Mission flying the bomber “Miss Virginia”.
Garrard’s family legacy lived on. Keesler was dedicated in honor of his brother-in-law 2nd Lt. Samuel R. Keesler and Garrard Hall was dedicated to honor his sacrifice.
Editor's note: The Fallen Warrior series highlights Fallen Warriors who exemplify our core values and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Take a moment to honor this week’s hero.