James M. Elder served in the 344th Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Second Lieutenant and Co-Pilot of B-24 #42-73416 during World War II.

On May 29, 1944, the aircraft participated in a bombing raid over Wiener Neustadt, Austria, a key center for German military aircraft production during World War II. While carrying out the mission, the B-24 came under enemy attack and was shot down over Austrian territory. It eventually crashed near the town of Fischbach, located in the state of Styria (Steiermark). Four crew members lost their lives in the crash, while the others survived and were taken prisoner by German forces.

2nd Lt. Elder was captured and held as a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft III in Sagan-Silesia, Bavaria. Currently, we don't have details about his post-war life, death, or place of burial.

Source of information: mail.aviation-safety.net, aad.archives.gov