BEDFORD – Retired Tech Sgt. James Lee Hutchinson of Bedford has lived a century, but his mission is far from over. The 100-year-old World War II veteran, who flew combat missions with the Army Air Forces’ 490th Bomb Group, continues to share his story with the same determination that carried him through the war.
Hutchinson, who celebrated his 100th birthday on June 12, was just 18 when his draft notice arrived in 1943. One semester shy of high school graduation, he was pulled into the war effort after Congress lowered the draft age. Like many teenagers, he traded classrooms for combat.
He became a radio gunner, flying in a B-17 Flying Fortress with the Eighth Air Force. Before his 20th birthday, he had already completed 20 missions — 18 of them in combat. His service included food drops during humanitarian missions at the war’s end.
After the war, Hutchinson returned to Indiana and finished his diploma, later attending Indiana University. He worked in education for 37 years as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent. He and his late wife Norma June raised two daughters.
Now retired, Hutchinson devotes his time to writing. He has published eight books about the war, determined to preserve the memories of his generation. Most weekends, you’ll find him at the local Walmart in Bedford, selling his books in front of the store and chatting with neighbors.
Hutchinson’s life remains a testament to courage, faith, and resilience. At 100 years old, he still sees it as his duty to make sure future generations never forget.
