United States of America
U.S. Army · United States United States

James Madison Patterson

Died August 26, 1969

James Madison Patterson served in the U.S. Army.

How He Died
Manner Accident
Cause Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened

Special Investigator James Patterson was killed in an airplane crash at Bates Municipal Airport in Mobile, Alabama. The private plane that had been contracted by the United States Treasury Department to conduct aerial searches for illegal alcohol stills. It had taken off Naval Air Station Albany, in Albany Georgia, and was on final approach to Bates Field when it crashed as it made its final approach. Two contractors were killed and one was seriously injured in the crash. Investigator Patterson was a U.S. Army veteran. He had served with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms for two years and had previously served with the United States Border Patrol.

Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two sons.
Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
United States Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
Special Investigator
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 27W · Line 5 cut as JAMES M PATTERSON
In Our Keeping
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Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.

Special Investigator Patterson gave the United States Department of the Treasury 4 years.

Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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