Lieutenant James M. Parker Jr.

James Monroe Parker Jr. was born on 4 February 1920 in Deer Park, Houston, Texas. His father was James Monroe Parker and his mother was Lola Montez Dolen Parker. He had 8 brtohers and sisters.

The Whirling Dervish plane bombed Tokyo with 3 demolition bombs and one incendiary cluster, scored hit at Kawasji truck and tank plant, another factory building and the congested industrial districts near the railroad station south of the Imperial Palace.

The crew bailed out about 100 miles south of Poyang lake. All landed safely except Lt. Watson whose arm was caught in a parachute riser and dislocated at the shoulder. He suffered severe discomfort for a week until a doctor was encountered who put the arm back in place. 

There is a historical marker erected for Lieutenant James M. Parker Jr. in Livingston, Texas where Parker lived.

Polk CHC organized a Texas Historical Marker dedication ceremony for Lieutenant Colonel James M. Parker, Jr., a Polk County resident and member of the Doolittle Raiders.

On April 17, 2021, over 100 people gathered at Lt. Colonel Parker’s gravesite at Restland Memorial Cemetery in Livingston, Texas, for the dedication of a Texas Historical Marker commemorating his military service.

The event was planned to coincide with the 79th anniversary of the Doolittle Raid. Among the participants were three United States Air Force Generals, United States Congressman Brian Babin, Livingston High School ROTC, the Polk County VFW, and the American Legion.

Following the dedication ceremony, an exhibit opening for Lt. Colonel Parker and the Doolittle Raid was held at the Polk County Memorial Museum. Marker dedication ceremonies are great opportunities to share CHC preservation success stories with officials at the county, state, and federal level. 

During the flight to Tokio, the crew determined that they had a fuel leak where the lower gun turret normally was. This was removed and a fuel bag was put in its place.

The crew agreed what they would do if they ran out of fuel above the sea. It was agreed that they would make an emergency landing at sea near a small boat. They would then swim to the boat and take over the boat and take it all the way to the Chinese coast. Fortunately this action was not necessary. They jumped out of their plane about 100 miles south (160 km) from Lake Payong. In the Jiangxi province.

They ended up in the mountains with Chinese mountain people and were transported to Chongqing over Hengyan. Then they arrived in Chongqing. 

Group of members of the Doolittle Raiders to leave China after the Doolittle raid. (top, left to right) unknown Chinese, Edward J. Saylor of Crew 15, Eldred V. Scott of Crew 9, unknown, Richard E. Miller of Crew 2, unknown (probably Adam R. Williams of Crew 13), Thomas C. Griffin of Crew 9, unknown Chinese, Everett W. Holstrom of Crew 4, Douglas V. Radney of Crew 2, Carl Wildner of Crew 2, unknown (probably Clayton J. Campbell of Crew 13), Griffith P. Williams of Crew 15 and unknown Chinese (below, left to right) unknown Chinese, unknown, Travis Hoover of Crew 2, Harold F. Watson of Crew 9, David M. Jones of Crew 5, James Parker of Crew 9, William Fitzhugh of Crew 2, Howard Sessler of Crew 15, and unknown.

Inducted in the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame on 9 November 2001.

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