James A. Cook was born on November 19, 1923. He served in the 849th Bomber Squadron, 490th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Second Lieutenant and Bombardier/Flight Engineer on the B-17 #43-38135 during World War II. He was Killed in Action on April 19, 1945, when his airplane was shot down by a jet enemy aircraft. His plane crashed in Marienburg, Germany, which resulted in the death of 7 men aboard while two men were taken as prisoners.

2Lt Cook is now buried in the Altoona-Walnut Grove Cemetery, Altoona, Etowah County, Alabama, USA.

B-17 #43-38135 crew:
Cpl Laurence Boekeloo - Ball Turret Gunner (KIA)
2Lt James Cook - Bombardier/Flight Engineer (KIA)
Sgt Roy Gripne - Right Waist Gunner (KIA)
Lt Glen Howard - Co-Pilot (POW)
Tsgt Sidney Iglitzen - Top Turret Gunner
1Lt William McCallister - Pilot (KIA)
2Lt Billy Swearengin - Navigator (KIA)
Cpl William Weales - Radio Operator (KIA)
Cpl Paul Webb - Tail Gunner (POW)