James A. Shelton was born in Denton, Montana in 1916, and enlisted in the United States Navy on 15 January 1941. Appointed an aviation cadet on 20 March 1941, he trained at Pensacola, Miami, and San Diego. Ensign Shelton was assigned to Scouting Squadron 6 (VS-6) on 17 April 1942 and was reported missing on 4 June 1942 during the Battle of Midway. For his heroism and devotion to duty, Ensign Shelton was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously.