James J. Akins Collection
Transcription of an oral history conducted with James J. Akins, who served as a pilot during World War II in the European theater. Akins was captured by German forces in 1944 and held for almost a year as a prisoner of war. During his service, he performed in several important raids on German forces. In his interview, he dictates experiences from before, during, and after the war.
Dates
- 1993 September 20
Language
English
Conditions Governing Access
Collections are stored offsite and must be requested in advance. See www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.
Conditions Governing Use
The UT Libraries claims only physical ownership of most material in the collections. Persons wishing to broadcast or publish this material must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants on www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.
Extent
0.1 Linear Feet (1 folder)
Abstract
Transcription of an oral history conducted with James J. Akins, who served as a pilot during World War II in the European theater. Akins was captured by German forces in 1944 and held for almost a year as a prisoner of war. During his service, he performed in several important raids on German forces. In his interview, he dictates experiences from before, during, and after the war.
Biographical/Historical Note
James J. Akins joined the military in June 1942. He trained as an aviation cadet and graduated December 24, 1943 as a second lieutenant. He was stationed at a base in Southern Italy. During a mission to Wiener Neustadt in Austria, he and his crew were shot down and captured - of the 10 members, 7 survived. They were captured on May 25, 1944 and held until April 28, 1945. Akins also served on various other air raids, including one on German oil refineries in Ploesti, Romania.
After WWII, Akins returned to the U.S. and went back to college for a few years. In February 1949, he rejoined the Air Force and served until February 1966. After he officially retired from the service, Akins became a general contractor.
Previous Citation
This collection was previously listed as part of MS.2012.
Acquisition Note
This collection was donated through the University of Tennessee's Center for the Study of War and Society.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository