Oscar Julian Boothe
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Lt. Julian Boothe

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U.S.Flag   Rites To Be Held For 1st Lt. Boothe

Reburial rites for First Lt. Oscar J. Boothe who was killed in action on June 29, 1944, will be conducted at 3 p.m. today, Nov. 30, 1950, in the Spur Church of Christ. Willis Jerrigan, resident pastor, will be officiating minister.

Funeral date Changed

Word has been received that the funeral services for 1st Lt. Oscar Julian Boothe, scheduled to be held Nov. 30, will be held December 1 instead. The body of Lt. Boothe was delayed enroute from New York because of recent storms in the New York area.

Oscar Julian Boothe, most everyone knew him as Julian, was born Jan. 28, 1920 at Spur. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Homer A. Boothe. His mother preceded him in death.

He graduated from Spur High school in 1937, and enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1941 at Marchfield, CA. His early training was received at Sheppard Field, Wichita Falls. Later training came at Patterson Field, Dayton, OH; Kelley Field and Randolph Field in TX and Cimarron Field in OK. He graduated from Pampa Army Air field on Feb. 16, 1943, and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant on that date.

He went overseas in May, 1943. First Lt. Boothe had made 77 missions over enemy held territory as pilot of a B-26 medium bomber. He was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant in March of 1944. He was first reported missing in action on June 29, 1944, on a mission over Cherbourg, France.

Military honors were presented him in the form of Americna Defense, European Air Medal with 2 silver and five bronze oak leaf clusters. He was posthumously awarded the purple heart and Silver Star medals.

Only immediate survivor is a brother, Larry O. Boothe of Spur. Several aunts, uncles and cousins also survive.

Pallbearers will be Troy Boothe, Billy G. McCombs, Burlie Grimes, John Hazelwood, Jr. Walter Johnson, Fred Neaves, all classmates.

Interment will be in Spur cemetery with Chandler Funeral home directing arrangements.

©The Texas Spur, November 30, 1950
from the records of Lillian Grace Nay

Burial Location:  B  9B  6

B26 - Marauder the Klassie Lassie lost on June 29th 1944 on his eighty second Mission.
 

Julian volunteered for one more mission, while his "65 mission tour" was largely exceeded. It was the 81st! This was the 100th mission of his plane. Julian's mother died the 25th of June, her obituary appeared in the newspaper the 29th... he died that day!

B26 pictures of the nose art (and the 1st pilot of Klassie Lassie)

Two books speak briefly about him:
"Marauder Men" John O Moench (page 210/Malia Enterprise Inc publishing) "Marauder" Louis S Rehr (page 52/53 and 67/Mac Farland publishing)

Information kindly submitted by: Lionel LeMarchant

French Memorial


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