James J. Sullivan Jr., also known as “Skippy,” was a U.S. Air Force pilot during the Korean War. He flew the T-6 Texan as a Forward Air Controller. The aircraft’s ability to linger over the battlefield “low and slow” made it ideal for directing air strikes, but the trade-off in speed left the T-6 nearly defenseless and highly vulnerable to ground fire. James was assigned to the 6147th Tactical Control Group, known as the Mosquitoes.
James’s collection is still being collated. It contains only a few personal photographs (several photos are from other collections), along with official documents such as a Mosquito Officer’s Club card, Mosquito newsletters, and other related items.
James was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and two Air Medals. In 2004, the U.S. Air Force authorized a “V” device for valor to be worn on DFCs awarded for heroism. James earned his Distinguished Flying Cross through a valorous act, which is documented in his collection.
James has a personal display in the Hall of Valor at Allegheny County’s Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (official replica that was issue on his induction is also included in the collection).