Tennessee Honor Vote
Condray, Mr James E
Branch: Air Force
Rank: First Lieutenant
Years of Service:
1950 - 1957
1st Lt. James E. Condray, USAFCRet.J
U.S. Air Force 1950-1957
Conflict Served: The Korean War
In 1930 I was born in Springfield, MO, where I lived until the fal of 1950.
My 9 year older brother, Newton, joined the Air Force in 1942 and flew 35 missions over Germany. He was an inspiration to me, so I dodged the draft and joined the Air Force in the fall of 1950. I then went to Keesler AFB for Radio Operators School. I did not have two years of college at that time, but as soon as that requirement was dropped; I volunteered for the Cadet Program. I was sent to Kinston AB, NC; and then to Jet Training at Webb AFB, TX; then to Nellis, NV; then I was assigned to the 25 Squadron at K13 Suwon, Korea. After about six months of flying Coast Missions in the F-86F; the 25th was moved to Naha, Okinawa, Where I was flying the F-86D, an all-weather interceptor. My most notable experience on Okinawa was when I accepted Christ as my Savior at Camp Kue. When that tour was up, I joined the 9th Fighter Bomber Squadron in Komaki, Japan, where I flew the F-84G. After that, I was assigned to Greenville, MS as a T-33 instructor. I then finished my degree at Bethel College, McKenzie, TN. I met my wife (Rebecca Louise Brinkley) while at Bethel. I have worked at various positions before retiring: notably Honeywell, Owens-corning, ABB, and Digital Equipment where my computer expertise took me to most of the U.S.; except the far northwest. In August of 2008, Becky and I celebrated our Golden Wedding Anniversary.
Honored by
Kim A Condray
Jackson, TN