411. James Kerwin⁸ Hunter (Laurence Herschel⁷, James⁶, Jane⁵ Coulthart, John⁴, John³, John², Christopher¹) was born in Sciota, Dakota Cty, MN January 1, 1922. James died September 18, 1944 in Udenhout, Holland, at 22 years of age.

He married Hollis Brown. Hollis is the daughter of Leo Brown and Blanche. Hollis and her baby daughter were living with her parents in Ottawa, IL while James was overseas in WWII. The following account of his death appeared in the June 1986 Smithsonian magazine. "Allied airborne troops were dropped behind German lines in the Arnhem-Nijmegen area on Sep. 17, 1944, and the next day the Eighth Air Force sent 252 B-24s over the drop zones at low level to supply the ground forces. Capt. James Hunter was "A-Flight" leader of the 491st Bomb Group. Coming off the target his plane caught a burst of flak in the right wing section. With only seconds to work with, Hunter, considered one of the best pilots In the Group, picked his spot and started to bring the B-24 in on its belly. At less than 50 feet, however, the right inboard engine burst into flames, the right wing dropped and was too low when the plane hit. This instant was captured by a camera in another aircraft. Hunter actually pulled the plane into the air again after the photo was taken, but by then there was no more room. Hunter and eight others were killed as their aircraft demolished itself against some trees and farm buildings bordering the field. Miraculously one man did survive...."

James Kerwin Hunter and Hollis Brown had the following child:

823 i. Janet Ann⁹ Hunter (still alive).

Send email to preparer: tcoulthart@yahoo.com

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