Memorial James W. Jeter
Locatie: N278, 6286 AJ Wittem 50°48'42.1"N 5°54'55.1"E
P51D Mustang fighter plane crashed. 2nd Lieutenant James W. Jeter dies in accident. On November 25, 1944, the American pilot, 2nd Lieutenant James W. Jeter, died here. He had taken off from USAAF Raydon airfield in England.
Report to the Commanding General, Army Air Forces, Washington D.C. 23 August 1945:
"On 25 November 1944 the Squadron was assigned to participate in a bomber escort mission to attack oil installations near Merseberg, Germany.
After crossing the English channel, and shortly before reaching Germany, Lt Jeter reported that he was having some difficulty with his engine.
After reporting this fact to the Squadron Leader, Lt. Jeter was ordered to turn back and proceed to his home base. 1st Lt. George J Rosen ASN O-793877 was assigned to escort Lt. Jeter back.
A short while after turning homeward Lt. Jeter reported to his escort that his engine now appeared to be performing satisfactorily and that they would rejoin the Group.
Both aircraft then turned to rejoin the remainder of the Group.
Soon after However, above Liège-Maastricht the engine problems returned Lt.Rosen noticed a long white stream of smoke or vapor flowing from Lt. Jeter's aircraft, which he believed to be coolant leak (Jeter's aircraft was not pulling contrails).
As Lt. Rosen was attempting to manoeuvre into a position to direct Lt. Jeter homeward he (Lt. Rosen) spotted five unidentified aircraft. Lt. Rosen turned into the aircraft to establish their identity, and after determining that they were friendly aircraft realized that the two had become separated.
However, he was able to make contact by radio with Lt. Jeter. Lt. Jeter reported that it was necessary for him to land and that he spotted a field which he considered satisfactory to make a landing in.
This field was believed to have been in Allied held territory. No more heard from Lt. Jeter after this last report.
His escort did not observe the landing."2nd Lt Jeter went to Eastern High School and worked at the Association of American Railroads before entering the service in February, 1943.
James W. Jeter was only 20 years old. He is buried at the American cemetery in Margraten, section F, row 2, grave 26
