"...the Silver Star is hereby awarded to...for gallantry in action. On 1 November 44, (he) volunteered to participate as (a) pilot of heavy bombardment aircraft in a hazardous low-level attack against a highly important bridge target in Thailand. This target was located deep in enemy territory, requiring a ten-hour flight, unescorted, within range of numerous enemy airfields. At a height of only 300 feet over (his) objective, (he) made repeated passes through intense enemy anti-aircraft and machine-gun fire with such relentless vigor that the target was finally reduced to rubble. The complete success of this mission contributed materially to the disruption of the flow of enemy supplies to the front lines. The exceptional gallantry in action against an armed enemy, superior leadership and heroic coolness under fire displayed by (this) officer reflect(s) credit in the highest degree upon the Army Air Forces of the United States."
A Testament to Capt. Nemecek's Character - January 7, 1999
"Dear Ms. Cote, I just recently learned of the death of your father, James Nemecek. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Capt. James L. Nemecek, Jr., ASN O-685212
10th Air Force / 7th Bombardment Group / 436th Bombardment Squadron
Squadron Commander B-24 Pilot
56 Combat Missions (507 hours: 10 minutes)
Squadron Leader 13 times Group Leader 7 times
Enlisted: 26-June-43 Separated: 21-Nov-45
Silver Star
Distinguished Flying Cross W/OLC
Air Medal W/2 OLCs
Soldiers Medal Bronze Star
Asiatic Pacific Ribbon W/3 Clusters
(All Images/Info Courtesy of Mary Cote, Daughter)
Capt. James Nemecek
The Crew of The "Dream Boat"
L-R, Front: SSgt. Adam Anthony, SSgt. Clifford A. Andrewjeski, Lt. James L. Nemecek,
Sgt. Richard Craig, Sgt. Merle Flynn
2nd Row: Sgt. H.C. Bowlden, Lt. Robert L. Clark, Lt. Theodore A. McConnell,
SSgt. Ora Wolfe, Lt. Howard B. McNulty
Capt. Nemecek, back row, 2nd from right
Capt. James E. Feldmayer, front row, far right
General Orders No. 7, 6 January 45, awarding the Silver Star to Capt. Nemecek. It reads:
'Big Jim', as I called him, arrived in India in January 1944, just a few days after I arrived there. In view of the fact that we were new arrivals, we flew wing position, 'Big Jim' on one side and I on the other for many missions. After a while we became Squadron leaders and your Dad would lead one mission and I the next.
'Big Jim' was a solid reliable person. We could always depend on him to do a good job in whatever he was assigned to do.
This did not go unrecognized, because in January of 1945 he was appointed Commanding Officer of the 436th Squadron, a difficult job and one he fulfilled admirably.
I am proud to have known your dad and his passing grieves me deeply."
My deepest sympathy,
Charles J. Mueth
2Lt. 436th BS, Silver Star recipient