African American. Alaska Highway. Company A. Born: March 2, 1917, LaGrange, Fayette, TX. Died: July 9, 1984, Richmond, VA. Enlisted: February 28, 1942, Ft. Sam Houston, TX and discharged November 17, 1944.
A December 1942 Morning Report stated that James and a small platoon were camped at Summit Lake, Canada, at an elevation of 3,000 feet building a relay station. That night he and two others were sleeping in a canvas tent. The temperature at that time of year was about 40 to 50 below and frequently winds blew at that altitude.
Their wood burning stove was burning and the men were sleeping wrapped in thick down-filled sleeping bags. The tent caught on fire and James suffered from general burns. The other two men were unharmed.
James was taken to the hospital and remained there until about January 1943. He had a hand contracture due to scarring and had to have a capsulorrhaphy. He was eventually discharged in November 1944 with a disability. There was a full investigation by an officer of the incident.
Serial #38092420