0 James Parton was pursuing his career in journalism until his commission in the U. S. Army Air Force in 1942. In 1943, he served as Aide to General Ira Eaker and later was the historian for the Eighth Air Force. Rising through the ranks in World War II to Lieutenant Colonel, Parton compiled historical data throughout the duration of his military career. At the end of the War, he resumed his journalistic career and, in 1954, he and some associates created the American Heritage Publishing Company which produced the Pulitzer Prize winning book, the "American Heritage Picture History of the Civil War." He eventually sold the company to McGraw-Hill and became president of the Encylopaedia Britannica Educational Corporation. At the same time he was also Assistant Librarian of Congress for Public Education. James Parton died at the age of 88.
From the description of Parton collection, 1942-1956. (US Air Force Academy). WorldCat record id: 244443843
