Descriptive Finding Guide for James Phillip Baross Personal Papers
SDASM.SC.10014
Finding aid prepared by Reilly Jensen
San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park
San Diego, CA, 92101
(619) 234-8291
May 27, 2014
Title: James Phillip Baross Personal Papers
Identifier/Call Number: SDASM.SC.10014
Contributing Institution:
San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
0.36 Cubic feet
One (1) box, 12” x 5” x 10.5”
Date (inclusive): 1942-1945
Abstract: The James Phillip Baross Personal Papers contains documents and objects relating to and collected by Baross during his service
as a flight radio operator in World War II.
creator:
Baross, James P., (James Phillip), 1923 - 2003
Biographical/Historical note
James Baross served as a radio operator aboard bombers during WWII, serving with the Army Air Forces, 501st Squadron, 345th
Bomb Group.
James Phillip Baross was born on August 28, 1923. He was a member of the Musicians Protective Association before World War
II broke out. At the age of 19, Baross enlisted to the Reserve Corps of the Army on November 9, 1942. He was trained at Camp
Upton, Long Island, arriving February 25, 1943, and was later sent to U.S. Army Air Corp basic training at Miami Beach, Florida.
Later, his training took him to California and, according to his memoir, he liked the weather so much he decided he would
one day live there. He was deployed to the Pacific Theatre near the Philippines as a radio operator aboard various types of
bombers, primarily the North American B-25 Mitchell. Many of his wartime stories are contained in his memoir, which was conducted
through the Library of Congress’s Veterans History Project later in his life. Baross, achieving the rank of Technical Sergeant,
kept a required and extensive catalogue of over 40 bombing missions (included in the collection). When he returned to the
United States he married, Mary, who he would be with until he passed away on January 4, 2003. He is buried in Riverside.
Conditions Governing Access note
The collection is open to researchers by appointment.
Conditions Governing Use note
Some copyright may be reserved. Consult with the library director for more information.
Immediate Source of Acquisition note
The materials in this collection were donated to the San Diego Air & Space Museum. The collection has been processed and is
open for research.
Preferred Citation note
[Item], [Filing Unit], [Series Title], [Subgroups], [Record Group Title and Number], [Repository “San Diego Air & Space Museum
Library & Archives”]
Related Archival Materials note
A more detailed finding guide is available at http://www.sandiegoairandspace.org/collections/collection_item.php?id=131
Scope and Contents note
1 Box, 12” x 5” x 10.5”. This collection spans 3 years of documents, mostly belonging to James Phillip Baross. They detail
missions he flew in his B-25 bomber and other experiences in World War 2. It also includes documents detailing a leave of
absence he had. More than Baross there are also journals and documents of East Asian writing, most likely Japanese. Finally,
the last dated document is June of 1945.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Baross, James P., (James Phillip), 1923 - 2003
Musicians Mutual Protective Association. (Los Angeles, Calif.)
United States. Army. Air Corps.
United States. Army. Organized Reserve Corps.
Atlantic City (New Jersey)
Flight radio operators
Japan (nation)
Japan--History--1926-1945
Pacific Theater
Sino-Japanese War, 1937-1945
World War, 1939-1945
Folder 01 – Identification
Reserve Corps Identification Card, belonging to Baross.
Medical Inspection Approval Card, approval to enter active duty.
Musicians’ Protective Association Membership Card, belonging to Baross.
Baross’ American Legion Membership Card.
Baross’ Atlantic City Residential Identification Card.
Folder 02 – Travel Documents
Special Orders granting 7 days of travel time to 501st.
Advertising Informational Cartoon Pamphlet by Disney productions.
501st Orders to Air Strip #2.
Officers Club Membership Card, Owned by Baross.
Folder 03 – Mission Reports
45 Hand-written cards describing various bombing missions, taking place from March 1944 to January 1945.
Folder 04 – Foreign Language Materials
East Asian Language Journal.
Language of Material:
Japanese
Postcard in East Asian Language.
Language of Material:
Japanese
Manual containing mathematical instructions.
Language of Material:
Japanese
Printed manual handbook written in an East Asian language.
Language of Material:
Japanese
Folder 05 – Poems and Songs
“The Fighting Man” Poem part 1, short poem about soldiers.
“The Fighting Man” Poem part 2.
Partial literary Guild magazine publication, ripped out from the rest of the magazine.
Folder 06 – Bombing Orders and Coordinates
Special Orders No. 45 Extract, February 14, 1945, detailing a bombing mission.
List of times, dates, targets, and general remarks, March (likely 1944) to January (1945).
Folder 07 – Miscellaneous Documents
Pidgin English Handbook, includes do’s and don’ts about service in New Guinea.
Technical Training Compound stamp card, early 1942.
Folder 08 – Miscellaneous Items
U.S. Army free mailing cards pouch.
