Collection Guide
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Williams (James) Personal Papers
SDASM.SC.10157
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Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
Title: James Stephen Williams Personal Papers
Identifier/Call Number: SDASM.SC.10157
Physical Description:
0.23 Cubic Feet
One (1) box, 15” x 2.5” x 10”
Date (inclusive): 1944-1953
Abstract: The James Stephen Williams Personal Papers contains materials relating to his military training and service as a flight navigator
for the United States Army Air Corps and Air Force in the Pacific Theater of World War Two.
James Stephen Williams entered the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, serving as a navigator in the Pacific Theater
with the 3rd Photo Reconnaissance Squadron.
James Stephen Williams (July 3, 1924-?) entered the U.S. Army Air Forces in World War II. He was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant
(promoted to 2nd) and served as a navigator in the Pacific, where he navigated crews aboard B-29 Superfortresses and variants,
such as the F-13A, while stationed with the 3rd Photo Reconnaissance Squadron in Guam. This was the same squadron that was
assigned to fly behind the Enola Gay on August 6, 1945 during atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Williams was discharged in 1946
and entered the Air Force Reserve.
According to his 1953 Air Force Reserve Inventory Questionnaire, he graduated from Bucknell University in 1950 with a degree
in Business Administration and was working for Sunshine Art Studios as general manager of the western branch offices in Pasadena,
CA. He had 293:15 combat hours in flight and 684 total flying hours.
Some copyright may be reserved. Consult with the library director for more information.
The collection is open to researchers by appointment.
The collection is open to researchers by appointment.
Folder 04 contains some material that is restricted due to fragility.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The materials in this collection were donated to the San Diego Air & Space Museum in 1986.
[Item], [Filing Unit], [Series Title], [Subgroups], [Record Group Title and Number], [Repository “San Diego Air & Space Museum
Library & Archives”]
A more detailed finding guide is available at http://www.sandiegoairandspace.org/collections/collection_item.php?id=109
A more detailed finding guide is available at http://www.sandiegoairandspace.org/collections/collection_item.php?id=109
Digitized images from this collection are available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/sets/72157639621050806/
One (1) archival box, 15” x 2.5” x 10”, containing military orders, type correspondence, ink and pencil notes, drawings, and
maps. Additional folders containing duplicate forms and fragile materials.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
World War, 1939-1945
World War, 1939-1945 -- Campaigns -- Pacific Area
Boeing B-29 Superfortress
Military maps
Navigation (Aeronautics)
Pacific Theater
Celestial charts
United States. Air Force
Selman Field Navigation School (Monroe, La.)
United States. Army. Air Corps
United States. Army Air Forces. Photo Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd