James Gilmore Steussy, 1919-2004, Port Arthur, Austin & New Braunfels, Texas.

Entered Naval Aviation Cadet program in 1942. Upon graduation designated Naval Aviator and commissioned Ensign USNR. Qualified in SBD Dauntless dive bomber, assigned to squadron VB-11. April 1943 Deployed to Henderson Field Guadalcanal via San Diego, Hawaii, Fiji.

Flew in large airstrike on Japanese destroyers mined in Blackett Strait 8 May 1943. Separated from other aircraft during strike, flew in bad weather with failed radio past Guadalcanal. Ditched aircraft with injuries off San Cristobal (now Makira) Island. With radioman gunner, was aided by islanders and coastwatcher, then rescued by flying boat. Cited for valor by Admiral Nimitz in this action. Hospitalized in NZ, then San Diego before returning to flying duty at NAS Corpus Christi.

Graduated with BS degree from University of Texas in 1949. Served in Naval Reserve; retired as Lieutenant Commander. Worked as civil service safety engineer for the Air Force Air Training Command until retirement.