James Crutchfield served in the U.S. Marine Corps (Air Corps). He served thirty-three months in the South Pacific during World War II, and also served in the Korean War. On November 4, 1951, 8 days after arriving in Korea, he piloted a F4U-4B Corsair fighter with Marine Fighter Squadron 312, Marine Air Group 12, 1st Marine Air Wing on a combat mission. His aircraft received a direct hit by anti-aircraft fire. He tried to land on a stream bed, but crashed. His remains were not recovered. He received the following awards: Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
