James B. McGovern Jr.
James B. McGovern Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | "Earthquake McGoon" |
| Born | February 4, 1922 Elizabeth, New Jersey, United States |
| Died | May 6, 1954 (aged 32) Northern Laos |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Army Air Forces |
| Years of service | 1942–1954 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Battles / wars | World War II First Indochina War |
| Awards | Purple Heart Knight of the Legion of Honour (France) |
James Bernard McGovern Jr. (February 4, 1922 – May 6, 1954) was a World War II fighter pilot and later an aviator with the Central Intelligence Agency. He and co-pilot Wallace Buford were the only Americans to die in combat in the First Indochina War. At the time, they were officially employees of Civil Air Transport.