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| Aviation Art Collecton - Capt James L Ball USN |
James L. 'Jimmy' Ball joined the Navy in 1939. He completed his recruit training in Norfolk, Virginia, and was assigned to the USS Reina Mercedes at Annapolis, Maryland. Jimmy applied for flight training and in August of 1942 he graduated from Flight Training School at Pensacola. In August of 1943 he was commissioned an Ensign. From late 1942 through November of 1946 Jimmy served in Patrol Squadron 74 which was engaged in antisubmarine operations in the North and South Atlantic. During the War his squadron was credited with destroying a total of seven German submarines for which it earned a Navy Unit Commendation. In November of 1946 Jimmy volunteered to participate in Admiral Byrd's Operation High Jump. He was assigned to the USS Pine Island as a pilot of a PBM Mariner. As commander of the PBM George 2, Captain Ball was awarded the Air Medal for locating and assisting in the rescue of the survivors of George 1 which had crashed on the Antarctic Icecap. The survivors had been stranded for fourteen days. Following the expedition Jimmy served in various aircraft squadrons, and also attended the University of Mississippi. Upon completion of his studies he was assigned to Staff COMFAIRWING14, and completed General Line School in 1953. He served as an instructor in the All-Weather Flight School based at Corpus Christi, Texas. While stationed at Norfolk with Air Transport Squadron 22 Jimmy was involved in flying experimental routes over the North Pole from Alaska to Norway. In 1958 he served as Executive Officer of FASRON-104 in Kenitra, Morocco supporting the Sixth Fleet in its Lebanon Campaign. Captain Ball then returned to Naval Air Station Anacostia, Washington where he served as the pilot for the Chief of Naval Operations. From mid- 1963 until mid- 1964, Captain Ball commanded a P3A squadron which won several awards for anti-submarine warfare excellence. During this time he surpassed the 10,000 hour mark as a pilot with no accidents. In July of 1964 Jimmy reported to Staff COMFAIRWING as Operations Officer, and in August of 1965 he was promoted to Captain. From 1966 until 1968 Captain Ball was stationed in Iceland where he served as Chief of Staff and Aide to COMAIRKEFLAVIK. He was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal and was authorized to where the Bronze Star in lieu of a second Navy Unit Commendation. He graduated from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and George Washington University in 1969. Captain Ball's final assignment was as Commander of Fleet Air Wing Ten during the Vietnam War. He is married to the former Audrey Kolbe of Annapolis. The Balls have two daughters, a son, and three grandchildren. James Ball passed away on 16th December 2006.  Died : 2006 |
| Based on many years of experience in dealing with thousands of aviation signatures, we have estimated the value this signature adds to a print as £20 |
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This website is owned by Cranston Fine Arts. Torwood House, Torwoodhill Road, Rhu, Helensburgh, Scotland, G848LE Contact: Tel: (+44) (0) 1436 820269. Email: cranstonorders -at- outlook.com |
