Jimmy G. METCHICAS
Flight Officer - T-122716
d. June 6, 1944

Jimmy G. Metchicas was a civilian pilot before the war so it was natrual that he became a pilot in the Army Air Force.

Jimmy completed advanced glider training on September 10th 1943, graduating from South Plains Army Flying School at Lubbock, Texas class 43-15. At the graduation ceremony he was presented with his sterling silver “G” wings and promoted to Flight Officer, a wartime rank equivalent to the Arm’’s warrant officer, junior grade.

Jimmy was assigned to the 88th Troop Carrier Squadron, 438th Troop Carrier Group, 53rd Troop Carrier Wing, IX Troop Carrier Command and sent to the European Theater of Opertation. He was stationed at Greenham Common and his Troop Carrier Group, the 438th, led the Air Armada for the air assault on Normandy. However, there were six glider missions for the Normandy campaign and Jimmy was sent on detatched service to the 434th at Aldermaster air field to fly a glider for the Keokuk mission. Jimmy flew one of the 32 Horsa Gliders to Landing Zone “E”. He flew with 2nd Lt. Luther G. Lau and his tow plane was commanded by Maj. Parkinson. The 32 Horsas carried 157 men: Signal, Medical & Staff pers., 40 vehicles, 6 guns, 19 tons of equipment and supplies. They landed at 2100 hours.

Twelve glider pilots from this squadron were placed on temporary duty with other troop carrier groups...

These men participated in the glider mission over France on ‘D’ Day in much the same fashion as did our men. After their evacuation from the continent they were granted four day leaves before reporting back to the 88th.

Of this group of twelve, F/O Richard S. [MYERS], T-123428 and F/O Jimmy G. METCHICAS, T-122716 were reported killed in action...

AFHRA-Narrative of the 88th Troop Carrier Squadron Monthly Report, June 1944.