James B. Tapp

James B. Tapp
Official portrait, 1960s
Birth name	James Buckley Tapp
Nickname(s)	"Jim"
Born	(1920-12-06)December 6, 1920 Eveleth, Minnesota, U.S.
Died	January 31, 2014(2014-01-31) (aged 93) Fort Collins, Colorado, U.S.
Buried	Arlington National Cemetery
Allegiance	United States
Service / branch	Air Force
Years of service	1941–1970
Rank	Colonel
Unit	78th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group
Commands	78th Fighter Squadron
Battles / wars	World War II
Awards	Distinguished Service Cross Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross Bronze Star Medal Air Medal (7)

James Buckley Tapp (December 6, 1920 – January 31, 2014) was an American flying ace in the 15th Fighter Group during World War II. During the war, Tapp flew very long range (VLR) fighter missions from Iwo Jima, and was credited in destroying eight enemy airplanes in aerial combat. He retired in 1970 at the rank of colonel, after 29 years of distinguished service.