James Clifton Harris

Sergeant James Clifton Harris was killed in action over Burma on July 14, 1945 during World War II.  He was 24 years old.

James Clifton Harris was born on May 3, 1921 in Vance County, North Carolina, the son of Harvey Clifton Harris and Annie Hunter Fleming Harris. Prior to his induction into the U.S. Army, he was employed at Standts Bakery in Raleigh, N.C and then as a construction machinery operator.

Sgt Harris enlisted in the U.S. Army on September 2, 1942 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.  He served with the 1st Transport Squadron, U.S. Army Air Force. 

The primary mission of the 1st Transport Squadron was to transport aircraft parts and technical supplies, as well as combat and training aircraft, from factories to operational units. The squadron's operations spanned various theaters, including the China-Burma-India Theater and the Western Pacific.

Sgt Harris served as a Sergeant and Engineer on Curtiss C-46A #43-47294 which departed the United States for Karachi, Sindh, India on April 13, 1945. On July 14, 1945, the  aircraft was making a flight from Bhamo, Burma to Kharagpur, Bengal, India. The crew was contacted once by radio and was not seen nor heard from again.  The crew was comprised of 1st Lt Robert G. Chesky, Pilot; 1st Lt Robert M. Hagerman, Copilot; Sgt James Clifton Harris, Engineer; FO Keith G. Case, Navigator; and Cpl Hal E. Roberts.  In January 2006, wreckage of the plane was  found near Thamainggyi, Burma, at an elevation of 3,000 feet, just 20 km north of its departure point.

Sergeant James Clifton Harris’ name is inscribed on the Wall of the Missing in the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Philippines 

Last edited: 30 May 2026