Lt. James R. Polkinghorne Jr.
Lost in Heaven
The Story of Lt. James R. Polkinghorne Jr.
Pensacola, Florida, is known for its beaches, its sunshine, and its deep ties to aviation. But there is another part of Pensacola’s history—one filled with African American aviators whose courage helped shape the skies of America. Most people know the famous story of General Daniel “Chappie” James Jr., but fewer know the story of another young hero from the very same city—
Lt. James R. Polkinghorne Jr.
James was born on June 16, 1921, in Pensacola. From the beginning, he was determined, thoughtful, and full of purpose. He graduated from Washington High School, earning a reputation for being an excellent student. He later attended Florida A&M College, and just as he was preparing to enter his senior year, he made a brave decision—
he enlisted in the military to serve his country during World War II.
At that time, African Americans faced many barriers in the U.S. military. But a new opportunity was forming at the Tuskegee Army Air Field, where a groundbreaking group of Black pilots known as the Tuskegee Airmen was being trained. James wanted to fly, and he wanted to prove that Black pilots were just as skilled, talented, and brave as anyone else.
He reported to Tuskegee in July 1942, joining Class 43-B alongside 20 other trainees. The training was extremely difficult, and as the months passed, only seven members of his class remained. James was one of them. On February 16, 1943, he earned his silver wings, was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, and officially became a combat pilot.
James was assigned to the 301st Fighter Squadron, one of four squadrons that formed the legendary 332nd Fighter Group—the famous Red Tails. He trained hard, learned fast, and soon became respected for his leadership, discipline, and courage.
By the time he reached Italy with his unit, James had become a flight leader, guiding other fighter pilots through dangerous missions. On May 5, 1944, during a mission over Italy, his plane was shot down. Lt. Polkinghorne did not return, and he was later declared dead. He was just 22 years old.
For his bravery and sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart.
Today, Lt. Polkinghorne’s name is etched into history.
He is honored on the Tablets of the Missing at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery in Italy.
He is remembered on the Tallahassee Aviation Wall of Fame inside the Tallahassee International Airport.
His incredible story is shared in the book “Lost in Heaven.”
But perhaps most importantly, his legacy lives on in his hometown.
The General Daniel “Chappie” James Flight Academy proudly salutes Lt. Polkinghorne—honoring his service, his sacrifice, and his example for future aviators. Today, the academy is actively working to bring his remains home from Italy, so that he can finally rest in Pensacola, the city that first raised him.
Lt. Polkinghorne’s life reminds young people everywhere:
Dreams can lift you high,
Courage can carry you even higher,
And heroes are often young men and women who dare to fly when others say they cannot.
