From a contemporary press report:
James K.D. Becker, 82, a retired Central Intelligence Agency intelligence officer who was a decorated Air Force combat veteran of World War II, died July 20, 2003, at his home in the Leisure World retirement community in Leesburg after a heart attack.
Captain Becker, a Pennsylvania native, attended the University of Pennsylvania before joining the Army Air Forces in 1942. While flying with the 8th Air Force in England, he was shot down over France during a bombing mission. He made his way to Switzerland, where he did work for the Office of Strategic Services.
After the war, he worked for the War Department’s Strategic Services Unit, a predecessor of the CIA. He joined the agency when it was established in 1947 and went on to serve in its headquarters and in Europe. After retiring from the agency in 1973, he did consulting work with Planning Research Corp. in Northern Virginia until retiring altogether in 1981.
Captain Becker’s military decorations included the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart and the Air Medal.
His marriage to Martha Becker ended in divorce.
Survivors include his wife of 25 years, the former Nancy Holloway of Leesburg; two children from his first marriage, James Jr., of Winchester, and Marlene Becker Hodgkins of Annapolis; and two grandchildren.
BECKER, JAMES K.D.
On Sunday, July 20, 2003, of Lansdowne, VA. Beloved husband of Nancy Holloway Becker; father of James K.D. Becker Jr. and Marlene Becker-Hodgins; grandfather of Blaine C. Becker; brother of Jane Reynolds and Joanne Burkett. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and other family. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Monday, September 22, Fort Myer Chapel. Interment Arlington National Cemetery with Full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Bible Church, 6911 Braddock Rd., Springfield, Virginia.
BECKER, JAMES K D
- CPT US AIR FORCE
- VETERAN SERVICE DATES: 01/28/1943 – 01/01/1950
- DATE OF BIRTH: 03/14/1921
- DATE OF DEATH: 07/20/2003
- DATE OF INTERMENT: 09/22/2003
- BURIED AT: SECTION 66 SITE 4251A
- ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. So it was no wonder that sooner or later his interests drew him to American history and especially to American military history. Many of his articles can be found on renowned portals like the New York Times, Washingtonpost or Wikipedia.
Reviewed by: Michael Howard