James M. Greene Plaque

Did James M. Greene ever imagine his name would be etched on a plaque in Munich? Here at the James M. Greene Plaque, we remember a young man whose life was tragically cut short. The James M. Greene Plaque stands as a stark reminder of a dark chapter in history. It commemorates the life of Staff Sergeant James M. Greene, a 19-year-old gunner in the US Army Air Force. He was part of the 460th Bomb Group of the 15th US Air Force, stationed in Italy. Their mission on July 19, 1944, targeted the BMW factory in Munich Allach. This factory produced engines for German fighter planes. During the approach, their B-24 Liberator, nicknamed “Flying Junior,” was hit by anti-aircraft fire. Greene and three others parachuted from the burning plane. Landing in a forest between Pullach and Solln, Greene surrendered to Nazi officers. Tragically, they executed him despite his surrender, a clear violation of the Geneva Convention. His body was then robbed and mutilated. The James M. Greene Plaque serves not only as a memorial to Greene, but also as a symbol of the atrocities committed during wartime. The plaque’s inscription tells a simple, yet powerful story. It reminds us of the importance of remembering the victims of war and the need for peace. The research of Dr. Susanne Meinl brought Greene’s story to light, ensuring his sacrifice wouldn’t be forgotten. The James M. Greene Plaque stands as a testament to his life, and a somber reminder of the cost of war.