Born in Santa Ana, California, June 16, 1923
Graduated from the Susa J. A. Dorsey High School Los Angeles, June 1941
Enrolled in the University of California, Davis, August 1941 Animal Science Curriculum - Animal Husbandry
Enrolled for Summer Session, Berkeley, June-July 1942
Enlisted, Enlisted Reserve Corps, 2 December 1942
Transferred to UCLA campus, February 1943 when undergraduate instruction at Davis was terminated for the duration, continuing ASTU duties
Granted indefinite leave of absence, UCLA, entering on active duty 10 May 1943
Military Service
MILITARY HISTORY
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Military Training
From May 1943 to May 1943; attached to Service Unit, Fort MacArthur, California.
May 1943 to Sep 1943; assigned to Co B, 77th Battalion, Camp Roberts, California.
Sep 1943 to Sep 1943; Star Unit, Camp Roberts, California.
Sep 1943 to Jan 1944; ASTU 3904 , UCLA, Los Angeles.
Jan 1944 to Jan 1944; Casual Company, 3d STR, Ft Benning, Georgia.
Graduated, OCS, Ft. Benning, 14 June 1944 and honorably discharged.
Grades Held
Private, ERC, 1D May 1943 to 24 Sep 1943.
Promoted to Private First Class, 25 Sep 1943.
Promoted to Corporal, 22 January 1944.
Commissioned Second Lieutenant, AUS, 15 June 1944; accepted appointment and entered on active duty same date.
Commissioned First Lieutenant, AUS, 1 May 1945.
Active Service Assignments
Jun to July 1944; Platoon Leader, Company L, 5th Infantry, 71st Division, Ft Benning, Georgia.
July 1944 to May 1945; Platoon Leader, Company L, 5th Infantry, 71st Division, Ft Benning and APO 360.
In Service 2 years, 5 months and 11 days.
Lieutenant James P. Pandel died in Austria 12 May 1945, from wounds received in action 6 May 1945.
Decoations and Awards
SILVER STAR.
BRONZE STAR MEDAL.
PURPLE HEART (Posthumous).
AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL.
EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL with two Bronze Service Stars for participation in the Rhineland and Central European Campaigns.
WORLD WAR II VICTORY MEDAL.
COMBAT INFANTRY BADGE.
EXPERT BADGE with Carbine Bar.
SHARPSHOOTER BADGE with Rifle Bar.