Birth: April 10, 1935
Death: May 2, 1969
James H. Overstreet
Brooklyn, Mississippi
Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy
Killed in Action
Died April 15, 1969 in Korea
Lieutenant Commander Overstreet was born on April 10, 1935 in Brooklyn, Mississippi. Married to the former Mary Ruth Taylor, they had four sons, Joe, Howard, Daniel and James.
LCDR Overstreet was the Electronic Warfare Aircraft Commander of EC-121M surveillance aircraft flying in support of a peacetime aerial reconnaissance program. On April 15, 1969, while on a surveillance mission over the Sea of Japan in support of the Korean truce, the aircraft LCDR Overstreet was flying was shot down. All 31 crewmen were reported missing and were presumed dead on May 2, 1969. Two bodies were recovered.
LCDR Overstreet’s awarded include:
Purple Heart Medal
Air Medal (8)
National Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Reserve Medal
Vietnam Service Medal (3)
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Note: LCDR Overstreet was nominated for the Navy Cross medal, but it was disapproved.
Burial:
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington
Arlington County
Virginia, USA
Plot: Memorial Section G

10 April 2026 at 14:29
LCDR Overstreet was a great pilot, a great human being and American. I flew with him many times. He was a huge loss to his family, to VQ-1 and to his country. May he rest in eternal peace.
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