A few months ago, our Scout Troop was invited to the home of James Sipple... a member of the church we are chartered to, and a WW2 veteran. Jim was a waist gunner on a B-24... The "Sleepy Time Gal", and flew with the 461st Bomb Group. Jim was shot down 25 July 1944, and spent the rest of the war as a POW.
In his basement, Jim has a whole room dedicated to his Bomb Group, his plane, and maps with all the missions he flew. He has a piece of the bomb bay doors of his plane, that the pilot of his bomber retrieved from a barn in Germany after the war. He also still has the cigarette packs he took notes on while he was a POW.
As the boys crowded around the memorabilia, Jim told them his story.... some of which can be found here:
http://www.15thaf.org/49th_BW/461st_BG//Kriegsgefangenen/james_e_sipple.htmA few weeks later, during a Sunday service, Troop 493 honored Mr. Sipple by presenting him a certificate of appreciation, a medal, and making him an honorary member of the Troop.
This morning, June 29th, 2010... James Sipple passed away after a long, and hard fought battle with cancer. Jim was a good man, a good friend, and a great American. His passing saddens me greatly, and he will be sorely missed.
Salute to you Jim...
