James Calvin Banks
Second Lieutenant James C. “Jimmie” Banks was a Marine fighter pilot assigned to VMF-112.
He was killed in a training accident near Santa Barbara, California, 13 February 1944.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number O-26485
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
CONUS Loss
Because this individual died within the limits of the continental United States, they are not tracked by the DPAA.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
October 24, 1920
at Collinsville, OK
Parents
John Williams Banks
Maude (Bocock) Banks
later Maude McCartney
Education
Collinsville High School (1940)
Independence Junior College (1942)
Occupation & Employer
Recent graduate
Service Life
Entered Service
June, 1942 (enlisted)
July 7, 1943 (officer)
Home Of Record
Collinsville, OK
Next Of Kin
Mother, Mrs. Maude McCartney
Military Specialty
Fighter pilot
Assistant ordnance officer
Primary Unit
VMF-112
Campaigns Served
—
Individual Decorations
—
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
Second Lieutenant James Banks earned his pilot’s wings and commission at NATC Corpus Christi, and was assigned to VMF-112 for flight duty. The veteran squadron was re-training and reequipping at MCAS Santa Barbara before their next Pacific deployment.
On 13 February 1944, Banks was flying a routine training exercise involving high-altitude acrobatics. His Corsair (FG-1 #13198) entered a spin and, after struggling to regain control, Banks radioed his intention to bail out. He was seen to hit the silk, but after that was not heard from again.
Other pilots flying in the area reported a motionless body at sea several miles off Santa Barbara. An intensive search involving aircraft and crash boats was launched, but no trace of Banks or his Corsair could be found.
Burial Information or Disposition
None; remains not recovered.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of mother, Mrs. Maude McCartney.
Location Of Loss
Banks was last reported approximately 15 miles west of Ellwood, CA.
