James Shepherd Freeman

Who was James Shepherd Freeman?

James Shepherd Freeman was a World War II Admiral in the United States Navy and the son of James Stanley Freeman.

He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1921 before entering a career in the Navy. His assignments prior to World War II included serving as chief executive officer of the US Naval Base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

While commander of the USS Alchiba, he was assigned to bring supplies and ammunition to Marines stationed in Guadalcanal. On November 28, 1942, his ship was torpedoed by two Japanese midget submarines. Freeman ordered the Alchiba's engines turned to full throttle and ran the ship ashore, saving the lives of the crew and ensuring that the much-needed ammunition was not lost. Freeman received the Navy Cross for his actions.

The admiral is also featured in the self-described "UFO disclosure" documentary Fastwalkers: They Are Here as the commander of a naval ship whose crew reported sitings of extraterrestrial activity at sea. In the film, Freeman is reported to have had photographs of UFOs that were supposed to be shown to other naval officers. It is unclear whether such photos existed or were ever made public.