James Norman Cupp (28 March 1921 – 2 June 2004) was a United States Marine Corps aviator during World War II.

[1] He attended the University of Iowa for two years, taking his Sophomore finals two months early so he could join the Navy V-5 flight training program.

He graduated at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas 9 January 1942[2] and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, 27 February 1942.

[2] Cupp was attached to VMF-213, the Hell Hawks, in September 1942 at Marine Corps Air Station Ewa and later flew the Vought F4U Corsair.

Walley, Captain Cupp was shot down north of Kolombangara by a G4M1 Betty with an improvised gun unexpectedly mounted in its bomb bay; he was severely burned.

While leading his three-fighter division on a patrol over our base on Vella Lavella, Captain Cupp boldly intercepted an overwhelming force of fifteen hostile dive bombers and their fighter escorts threatening our installations.

By his superb skill, daring initiative and devotion to duty, Captain Cupp contributed to the success of his squadron and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.