Captain James Bernard Poulet, An Airman's Story
.png "Captain James Bernard Poulet, U.S. Air Force – Gulf War Servic")
Captain James Bernard Poulet, An Airman's Story
Captain James Bernard Poulet was born on June 11, 1956, in Redwood City, California. He attended Carlmont High School, where he played football, before continuing his education at California Polytechnic State University. There, he earned an engineering degree and participated in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), setting a clear course toward military service.
Following graduation, Captain Poulet was commissioned into the United States Air Force on November 12, 1981. He trained as a Weapons Systems Officer and was assigned to fly aboard the F-15 Eagle with the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing, a unit tasked with maintaining air superiority and supporting combat operations.
During his Air Force career, Captain Poulet served overseas assignments in the Philippines, Germany, and South Korea, gaining experience in multiple theaters and operational environments. In 1990, he deployed with his unit to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Shield, the precursor to Operation Desert Storm and the Gulf War.
Captain James Bernard Poulet died on September 30, 1990, while on active duty, when his F-15 aircraft crashed in Saudi Arabia during pre-war operations. He was 34 years old.
Captain Poulet is laid to rest at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, California. He is remembered as an accomplished airman, engineer, and officer who dedicated his life to service and aviation. His words—“I will have died doing something that I love”—stand as a quiet testament to a life shaped by purpose, discipline, and commitment to his calling.
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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.
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