James Phillip Chase was born on May 11, 1909 in Houlton, Maine. He was the son of Harry Randolph Chase and Stella Maude Blaney Chase. He resided in Aroostook County, Maine prior to the war. He enlisted in the Army on July 8, 1942 in Bangor, Maine. He was noted, at the time of his enlistment, as being employed as a Fruit and vegetable grader and packer and also as Divorced, without dependents. James served as a Staff Sergeant, 350th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division, U.S. Army during World War II. James died from his wounds received in battle on October 3, 1944 at the age of 35 in Italy and is now buried in the Florence American Cemetery, Impruneta, Italy. His unit was cited for outstanding performance of duty in action during the period 27 September to 3 October 1944 at Mt. Battaglia, Italy against German forces. For seven days, amidst powerful counterattacks, the men of the battalion repulsed each attack with fighting ability and teamwork, therefore, their objective was accomplished.