James R. Herlett was born in Carry, Pennsylvania to Mrs. Grace Smith (there are no birth records). He moved to California when he was around eleven. They lived on 2436 Cabrillo Ave.

“Jimmy” was a well rounded, outgoing guy, judging from the Torrance High School yearbooks. He was the Junior Class President, a Key Club President and Varsity Club President. His Winter senior picture lists him as a Tartar Knight Commander in Chief and a Class President. In 1937, he was a member of the All Marine League Second Team in football.

Before his graduation from Torrance High he took a part time position with Torrance National Bank. At that time he lived with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Colburn of 724 Portola.

After his graduation in Winter 1938 he left his part time position at Torrance Bank and took a job with the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank, Los Angeles Branch. His address at that time was 706 Sartori. It could be assumed that it was there that he met his wife Katherine, as that is where she is referenced as being employed in the July 4, 1946 Herald Souvenir edition.

He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant after attending Officers Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia. He was sent overseas and served in the European Theater of Operations since midsummer 1944 as a replacement officer in an anti-tank division. He later transferred to an infantry company.

After two and one half years in the Army, First Lt. Herlett was declared as missing in action on November 17, 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge. On August 30, 1945 his mother received a telegram declaring him officially dead. No trace of him had ever been found. He left behind his wife, Katherine, and a baby daughter that he had never seen.