Grave marker for James Velasco in Section 68, Site 1393, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington (Arlington county), Virginia.

James registered for the draft in Pueblo, CO on 16 October 1940 and was inducted into the Army on 24 February 1941.  Although born in El Limón (Jalisco), Mexico, he was a U.S. citizen by the time he enlisted. and apparently had some time in the National Guard as well.

He was tapped for OCS and was assigned to the 319th Glider Field Artillery, a unit which had supplied continuous 75mm howitzer fire support for the 508th and other units of the 82nd in Normandy.

2nd Lt Velasco was twice attached to the 508th [31 Aug - 6 Sep '44 and 16 Sep - 2 Oct '44]  presumably involved in planning and coordination for the upcoming Market-Garden operation in which they would have 105mm howitzers instead of the smaller 75mm guns used in Normandy.  The 319th GFAB also supported the 508th in Belgium.

1st Lt Velasco was discharged on 17 November 1945.