BOSTON – James Goodson, a decorated World War II fighter pilot and former prisoner of war, who went on to a successful post-war business career, has died.
Goodson died Thursday at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth after a bout with pneumonia, according to his son, James Goodson Jr. He was 93.
The New York City native and Duxbury resident started fighting the Nazis even before the U.S. entered the war, flying Hurricanes and Spitfires as a member of a Royal Air Force American volunteer Eagle Squadron.
He later joined the United States Army Air Force and flew Thunderbolts and P-51 Mustangs.
His son says he was credited with destroying 30 enemy aircraft and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross, a Silver Star, a Purple Heart and other medals.
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