James L. Folse
A-20 Havoc Pilot, 3rd Bombardment Group, 89th Bombardment Squadron

Wartime History
James L. Folse enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and sent overseas to the South West Pacific Area (SWPA). Fose was assigned to the 5th Air Force, 3rd Bombardment Group (3rd BG), 89th Bombardment Squadron (89th BS) as a pilot flying the A-20 Havoc.

His first aircraft was nicknamed "Big Nig", A-20G "Big Nig" 43-9436 with the nicknamed and had Damon Runyon Runyon inspired character on the left side of the nose painted by SSgt Tony Benson. This aircraft was lost on May 3, 1944 piloted by 2nd Lt. Tom Reading returning from a mission against Wewak when it force landed in a fresh water swamp. Promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

Afterwards, assigned a second aircraft that he nicknamed "Big Nig II", A-20G "Big Nig II". On June 16, 1944 Folse took off on a mission Kokas and returning force landed at Hollandia Airfield and afterwards this aircraft was written off.

Promoted to the rank of Captain. Finally assigned a third aircraft that he nicknamed "Big Nig III" A-20G "Big Nig III" 43-21315. This aircraft was later written off, details unknown.

In total, Folse flew 67 combat missions for a total of 127 sorties in the South West Pacific Area (SWPA).

Relatives
Louis Folse (son of James L. Folse)

References
Thanks to Louis Folse (son) for additional information