(Copyright, 1942, by the Chicago Tribune) LONDON, Jan. 5, 1942 — The applications of members of the Eagle (American) Squadron of the Royal Air Force, and other Americans serving here with Canadian troops, to he transferred to the American Army so far have been refused. They, as well as American business men who wanted to enlist, have been advised by the United States Embassy to "stay put" until a specific demand is made for their help by the War Department.
Eagle Squadron pilots and American members of the Canadian Expeditionary Force have been told that as Germany and Italy are now at war with the United States, they are helping just as much by remaining here as if they enlisted in the American force. During the last war, Americans serving in British and French forces were transferred into the American army.
Born in Calexico, California
Started flying lessons at 15
Got license the day after he graduated from High School
Claimed 212 hours flying time before joining the RAF
55 OTU August 18 to Sept 27, 1941
252 Squadron, "Hurricanes" Oct 6 to Oct 9, 1941
- log shows one flight on Hurricanes on Oct 8th
121 Squadron, "Spits" 10/10/41 to 2/27/42
126 Squadron - Malta "Spits" 2/28/42 to 6/07/42
Back to UK to 53 OTU Spits, 8/1/42
- Logged 320 hours with the RAF -
Transferred to the USAAC on Sept. 23 1942 at 5:25 PM
52nd (F) Group (Spits), Sept 23, '42 to Jan 20, '43
328th (F) Group (P-39) - Oakland - Jan 23, 1943
KiFA - April 12, 1944 in England - 22 years old
- Logged 110 hours with the USAAC -
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Eagles Squadron members John Lynch, James
Peck & James Coxetter (KiFA 27oct41)
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CITE BERKELEY ACE IN MALTA DEFENSE
21 April 1942 - Praise for James E. Peck, 20-year-old Berkeley pilot officer with the RAF, as an "excellent fighter" in the British defense of Malta came today in a United Press dispatch from London. Quoting reports to the RAF command at Cairo, the dispatch said young Peck was one of two American fighters "who almost daily go up to battle axis planes that have been trying for months to knock Malta out of the war."
Although individual scores in planes destroyed by Peck were not available, it was reported that he and Donald W. McLeod of Norwich, Conn., shot down two Junkers 87s and a Messerschmitt 109 last Sunday.
"My last letter from him came on March 1 from England," said his mother, Mrs. Mary Peck of 1342 Carlotta Avenue, Berkeley.
"His only complaint then was he wasn't getting enough active duty.
"I guess things have changed since then."
Peck, a Berkeley high school graduate, enlisted with the RAF a year ago after both the Army Air Corps and the Canadian Air Force rejected him because of his age.
American pilots at Malta chiefly fly Hurricane fighters, but some Americans trained to handle Spitfires were sent there recently. |
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Peck - Praised by British |
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Berkeley Boy Is Happy Now; Bagging Axis' Best Planes
By HAL JOHNSON
He craved action—this Berkeley boy—and now he is getting it, knocking Nazi Messerschmitt pursuit planes out of the skies over Malta, where much of the Axis aerial might has been felt during the last few weeks.
Jimmie Peck, son of Mr. and Mrs. James E. Peck of 1342 Carlotta St., is only 20, but he already is a war veteran, a seasoned fighting flier who has the makings of a second Eddie Rickenbacker. Press reports from Cairo confirm this.
It was only last week that Jimmie — Flight Lieutenant James Peck, Second American Eagle Squadron — and his Boston buddy, Lt. D. W. McLeod, sent two Nazi planes plunging seaward in flames into the blue Mediterranean, now turning purple with the blood of brave men.
Jimmie Peck was air-minded when he attended Berkeley High three years ago. He was more proud of his private flyer's license than he was of his high school diploma. After one year at San Francisco Junior College, he insisted upon going all out for aviation.
Jimmie Peck wanted to join the U. S. Army Air Corps, but he couldn't get in as a cadet, because he didn't have at least two years of college work. That disappointed him greatly. Then Great Britain started seeking airmen without asking how far recruits had gone in college.
"I've just got to get into this war," Jimmie told his father and James Sr. knew that his boy meant it. He made an application for the RAF and was overjoyed when he received orders to report to Burbank for preliminary training.
Last June he went to Canada for advanced training. The next word his parents heard from him told of his arrival in England. They made Jimmie Peck an instructor, but that was too tame for him. He asked for action and then he got it—in RAF raids over France and Germany. That was late in November.
Then as a reward for his bravery he was given a "breathing spell"—more work as an instructor, but that was no way for the British to show appreciation of this Berkeley boy. He craved action and more action. And he got his wish.
The much besieged island of Malta, the British base which ever threatens Axis sea route supply lines between Sicily and North Africa, has an air garrison of the best British airmen. They have to meet the best of Nazi flyers. That's where this American Eagle from Berkeley makes his nest and goes forth to fight. And he's happy.
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Berkeley Boy
20 May 1942 - James Eldridge Peck, the Berkeley youngster the U. S. Army Air Corps turned down because he didn't have a college education, was awarded Great Britain's Distinguished Flying Cross for gallantry in action over Malta, a United Press dispatch from Cairo reported today.
Pilot Officer Peck is the son of Mr. and Mrs. James E. Peck of 1342 Carlotta St. He joined the Royal Air Force after he was rejected by the United States Army Air Corps last year.
The Berkeley High School graduate who learned to fly at Oakland Airport was decorated with the other five pilots with whom he had "teamed up" to destroy 33 enemy planes in air battles over Malta. His citation said that he "frequently led his squadron in action, always displaying courage and resourcefulness in aerial combat."
Peck, the United Press said, personally has shot down three planes and is the first American decorated for fighting at Malta.
But like other American members of the RAF, Jimmy Peck longs to come into the U. S. Army Service. Not long ago he wrote his mother that "I hope I can transfer to the U. S. Air Corps by summer. It's swell flying and fighting for the British but now that my own country is in the war, I want to be in an American uniform. So do the other fellows."
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London Gazette
June 5th 1942
Distinguished Flying Cross
Pilot Officer James Elvidge PECK (103471) Royal
Air Force Volunteer Reserve, # 126 Sq.
This officer is a courageous and resourceful leader
who always presses home his attacks with the greatest determination.
He has destroyed at least 3 and damaged many more hostile aircraft. |
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Letter Home
"June 21, 1942 R.A.F. Luqa, Malta Dear Wynne and Family:
I received your letter and pictures of the baby a couple of days ago. I must say he looks like a first class job. I got your cable in "Gib" telling of the "Blessed Event" and was surely surprised and very happy and proud to have him named after me.
As you probably know by now I have been promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant, pronounced leftenant, which corresponds to the rank of Captain in the Army. Being as I haven't been in the R.A.F. a year yet, I am not doing too badly.
It really isn't so bad out here now. In fact it is very quiet. We have a small boat, so we get lots of swimming and sun bathing.
I don't know whether you remember McLeod or not, he was the big tall blonde, anyway he is out here with me. He was shot down a couple of months ago but is O.K. now and flying again.
I want you and George to look up a couple whom Frosty and I met on the train East last year. They are about the same ages as you are and I am sure you would like them.
Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Ephlin 11217 Dilling St. North Hollywood.
I haven't heard from Frosty since he left and haven't the slightest idea where he is.
In case you are interested, my official score is: Five destroyed, two probably destroyed, and eight damaged. However I know for a fact that I have at least three more destroyed but could not get confirmed.
Address all future letters and cables to:
Flt. J. E. Peck. DFC
American Eagle Club
28 Charing Cross Road,
London, W C 2.
That's about all I guess, say hello to Bill and Karol for me and give Jimmy an extra feeding.
Love,
Jim"
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