Colonel Joseph Laughlin Describes Devastation in Germany to his Hometown Newspaper
Colonel Laughlin describes the devastation inflicted on a region in Germany by his 362nd Fighter Groups
In this article, Colonel Laughlin describes what he sees on the ground after his 362nd Fighter Group bombed and strafed a region outside Mainz in Germany.
Grand Island Daily Independent
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
March 19, 1945
362nd Destroys Multiple German Planes and Trains in One Day
The effective destruction that the 362nd could impose on the Germans
This article describes the destructiveness of the 362nd by describing the amount of German planes and trains that they destroyed in one Saturday.
Omaha World-Herald
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
October 30, 1944
A Flying Formation
Members of the 379th F.S. flying in formation with the 362nd Fighter Group commander, Colonel Joseph Laughlin
An example of a flying formation of the 362nd fighter group, shown by pilots of the 379th fighter squadron. The lead plane is Colonel Joseph Laughlin. The plaid color on the nose signifies that he is group commander.
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division, Collection # AR.2007.016,
United States Air Force
1945-05
The Chateau Outside Reims, France
These were the pilots' quarters of the 362nd Fighter Group while they were stationed at Reims
This was the chateau located outside the city of Reims that was "acquired" by Colonel Joseph Laughlin for the pilots of the 362nd Fighter Group. They were the nicest accommodations they would have during the war, and no one wanted to leave.
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
September - November 1944
"Ready in Pairs" - Bombs Ready for Action on P-47 Thunderbolts of the 362nd Fighter Group
A pilot leans on some 1,000-lb bombs on the airfield near Reims
A pilot from the 362nd Fighter Group poses for a picture with his foot on a bomb. With the caption "Ready in Pairs" on the back, it is also noted that the air strip used to be in No Man's Land during World War I.
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
Late October 1944
Outhouse for the 377th Fighter Squadron
What passed for a bathroom on the airfield in Reims
This outhouse was located near the operations tent for the 377th Fighter Squadron. Not even enclosed, it afforded no privacy for those who needed it the most. The 362nd Fighter Group spent nearly 2 months in Reims.
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
September - November 1944
A Farmer Working the Land Outside Reims
The men of the 362nd Fighter Group were encouraged to unwind and get away in their downtime
The men of the 362nd F. G. were encouraged by their commander, Colonel Joseph Laughlin, to do whatever was necessary to relax. He wanted them to take their minds away from the troubles of war to help them cope. Some of the men took that time to explore the area, taking pictures of life returning to normal in the liberated portions of France.
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
September - November 1944
A German POW Among the 362nd Fighter Group
The pilots of the 362nd stayed in these tents outside Reims before moving into the chateau, with a little help from a German POW
According to the caption on this photo, a German POW is directed to dig a latrine for the 362nd Fighter Group near their tents. Note the soldier on the far left, his guard. You can just make out a smirk on the face of the seated airman. The caption also states that these were the pilots' tents before they moved into the chateau.
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
September - November 1944
Men From the 362nd Fighter Group Play Volleyball
The men of the 362nd Fighter Group had to find ways to unwind in their downtime
Pilots and grounds crew were encouraged to take their minds off of the war by their commander, Colonel Joseph Laughlin. He did not want his pilots to get battle fatigue or his grounds crew to suffer exhaustion so he made sure they had something else to do, whether that was a little R & R back in England or a little game of volleyball near the base.
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
September - November 1944
Pilots from the 377th Fighter Squadron Pose Atop a Captured Flak Gun
Two pilots have some fun on a captured flak gun outside Rennes in France
377th Fighter Squadron pilots Lt. Robert J. "Red" Campbell and Lt. Roy D. Christian hang onto a previously camouflaged 88 mm flak gun. These larger flak guns were used to target high-altitude planes, like the P-47. Sadly, Lt. Christian was KIA a few months after this photo was taken.
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
August - September 1944