Jimmy Davies (RAF officer)

James Davies
Born1913
Bernardsville, New Jersey, U.S.
Died27 June 1940(1940-06-27) (aged 26–27)
English Channel
AllegianceUnited Kingdom
Service / branchRoyal Air Force
Years of service1936–1940
RankFlight Lieutenant
Service number37796
UnitNo. 79 Squadron RAF
Battles / warsWorld War II
AwardsDistinguished Flying Cross
Mentioned in Despatches

James William Elias Davies, DFC (1913 – 27 June 1940) was an American combat fighter pilot who was the first American-born airman to die in combat in World War II.[1] Davies was shot down and killed on 27 June 1940.[2][3]

Although born in the United States, his family moved to Wales before the start of the war. As such, he appears in official records as being British.[4]

  1. ^ Kershaw, Alex (24 October 2006). The Few: The American "Knights of the Air" Who Risked Everything to Fight in the Battle of Britain. Da Capo Press. p. 276. ISBN 9780306813030.
  2. ^ Johnson, David A. (January 1990). "The Pre-Eagles". Air Force Magazine. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 9 September 2008.
  3. ^ Some references quote 25 June 1940
  4. ^ "Casualty details: Davies, James William Elias". Commonwealth War Graves Commission.