Sergeant James Kinchloe
From Hogan's Heroes
| INDIVIDUAL | |
| James Kinchloe | |
| |
| Rank | Staff Sergeant |
| Enlisted In | Allied Forces, USAAF |
| Serial Number | |
| Appearances | Full List of Appearances |
| Actor | Ivan Dixon |
Sergeant James Kinchloe is one of the main secondary fictional characters who appeared in the 1960s American sitcom, Hogan's Heroes. He was played by Ivan Dixon.
Contents |
[edit] History
Sergeant James Kinchloe is born sometime in the first decade of the 20th century, in Detroit, Michigan. Kinchloe goes to school in Detroit, eventually graduating from high school. While going to school, he works as a plumber's helper for one summer, as well as learning how to play the upright bass and throwing the football. Before the United States enters World War II, he works for the telephone company. He has also participated in several Golden Gloves boxing tournaments as a boxer.
[edit] World War II
After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Kinchloe joins the USAAF. (It is never made clear in the series whether he has volunteered or is drafted.) While in the USAAF, he moves up the enlisted ranks until he is promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. At some point in 1942 (it is never made clear in the series), he is shot down during an American air raid over Germany and is captured. He is eventually placed at Stalag 13. While there, he becomes part of Colonel Hogan's Anti-Nazi organization, being put in charge of operations, as well as being made the group's radio operator and electronic expert. (It is never made clear in the series, but it must be assumed that Kinchloe gains his expertise in both areas either pre-war because of his experience working for the phone company, or while he is in the USAAF before being shot down.) Kinchloe has also shown himself to be a talented mimic, easily imitating German officers while speaking over either the telephone or radio. He is the group's unofficial second in command because of his clearheadedness and his calmness under fire and in very stressful situations, and because of this, he is more respected by the other non-coms than is the technically higher ranked Sergeant Carter.
[edit] Post-World War II
Nothing is known about what happens to Sergeant Kinchloe towards the end of the war, since his duties are taken over by Sergeant Richard Baker. It could be assumed that he is sent back to England, but there is at present no evidence to support this theory.
[edit] Awards
As a prisoner of war, Kinchloe would be eligible, as of 1985, to have the Prisoner of War Medal awarded retroactively.
