JC was borrn in in Texas in November 1919 in Michigan.
He served as the Ball Turret Gunner of B-17G Flying Fortress #42-102657 "Boss Lady." Shot down by enemy fighter on mission to Ruhland, Germany, and crashing in a region that is in present-day Czech Republic. Five crew members were Killed In Action, and five survived and were taken as Prisoners Of War by the Germans. The men lost were: 1st Lt. Albert E. Trommer, Pilot 2nd Lt. Levi F Groce, Jr, Bombardier 2nd Lt. James H Wright, Jr, Navigator T/Sgt. Alvin J W Severson, Flight Engineer/Top Turret Gunner T/Sgt. William M Stone, Radio Operator The air crew was originally listed as Missing In Action (MACR 8820). The remains were later located. The other names on the grave marker are members of several other B-17s that were lost on same mission date.
An elementary school in Kovarska, Czechia is named in JC's honor where the plane crashed on that day.
Source: Find a Grave