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This story was submitted to the People's War site by Jenny Christian of the
2nd Air Division Memorial Library on behalf of James (Jim)Hinton Reeves and has been added to the site with his permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

Entered U.S Army Air Force in June 1942. Qualified for Engineering and Operational School at Ft. Logan, Colorado (which was one of the better schools at that time). I was sent to England and joined the 2nd Bomb Wing – later the 2nd Air Division of the 8th Air Force. I served in operations of HQ in grade of S/Sgt, T/Sgt and M/Sgt.

My duties were interesting as they pertained to the planning of missions of the fourteen Bomber Groups. We received Field Orders from HQ, 8th Air Force and passed them on to the groups. Orders contained 'Target' for the day, take off time, route to fly, bomb load, flak area expected and amount of fighter a/c and area to encounter.

On each mission we had a fighter plane to fly at high altitude to scout the weather at the target. This info was relayed back to HQ in code. As soon as planes returned from missions all of the crews were given a de-briefing. All of the various departments attended the de-briefings including division bombardier, navigator, air sea rescue, weather and personnel department.

There was always a close communication between 8th AF 2nd Air Division and the groups.

When the war was over the 2nd Air Division had lost 6,700. The 8th Air Force had lost 19,000.

My commander, General W.E. Kepner, gave me a direct appointment from M/Sgt to 2nd LT. He also presented me with the Bronze Star medal for my service in Operations Section.

I remained in the Air Force for four years. I remained in service for eighteen years and retired as Major. I served with some great men in the 2nd Air Division.

After the war the 2nd Air Division formed the 2nd Air Division Association. We have built a library in Norwich, England in memory of our 6,700 brave comrades. On the 24 May we will assemble in San Antonio for our 58th convention.

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