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Colonel James'.O. Beckwith, Jr., arrived at thomasville Army Air Field July 3, 1945, and assumed command of the local air base on the following day. The new com manding officer recently returned from the Pacific theatre of war where he distinguished himself by his meritorious and heroic con duct in connection with military operations against the Japs. The Colonel was engaged in active combat from Dec. 7, 1941, until May 1, 1945. He was station ed in Hawaii at the time of the Pearl Harbor treachery and help ed to ward off enemy attack. Continuing his duties in and about the Pacific, he was actively engaged in the recent battle of Iwo Jima, shortly after it's cap ture the commanding general of the 7th Air Force appointed him commanding officer of an air base on the island. Because of this, plus his other combat experience, Colonel Beckwith had first hand knowledge of what it means to command men under the most trying conditions. Actually, there were very few engagements that the 7th Air Force took a part in that did not see the colonel participating in some capacity. For 9 conspicuous valor and wounds received in battle, he was awarded the Purple Heart in ad dition to his other decorations which consists of the Air Medal, with cluster, and Bronze star. Born in Burlington, Vermont, 33 years ago, the new command ing officer resided with his par ents, Mr. and Mrs. James O. Beck with, prior to his enlistment in the army in April 1937. In taking command of — the Thomasville Army Air Field at this time, Colonel Beckwith — br ings a wealth of experience with all type of planes, so that he will be able to guide the new pilots in their training with the P-51's which are now being used for the first time at the base. His understanding of men and air craft will go a long way towards sending out pilots fully equipp ed to do the job ahead. Mrs. Beckwith and their child have arrived in Thomasville and will take up residence here.
Newspaper Details
Thomasville Times Enterprise
Thomasville, Georgia, US
Thu, Jul 05, 1945
Page 2
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
USA 07 Jul 2026
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