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
Colonel Joseph Laughlin and Officers of the 362nd Fighter Group in Front of the Chateau Outside Reims
Colonel Laughlin acquired a chateau outside of Reims in France to house the pilots of the 362nd Fighter Group
From left, 1st Lt. Joe Lane, Colonel Laughlin, 1st Lt. John Hill, and an unknown pilot stand in front the the chateau outside of Reims. Colonel Laughlin managed to "acquire" it, and it was large enough to house all of the pilots of the 362nd Fighter Group. These were the most comfortable accommodations the men would see during the war, and they never wanted to leave. The officers appear to have just come from the airstrip, as all of them are wearing their flight suits, with the two officers in front, both from the 377th Fighter Squadron, also wearing their leather jackets.
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
October 1944
Before and After of the Linder Dam outside Dieuze, France and Story
Colonel Joseph Laughlin was credited with dropping his payload closest to the target, giving him most of the credit for breaking the dam
The before and after shots of the Linder Dam show the short term effect of the damage done by squadrons of the 362nd Fighter Group. The 378th and 379th squadrons took part in the bombings, with Colonel Laughlin leading the way. The pilots were aiming for the sluice gate, an extremely narrow portion of the dam, and they were mostly effective. Colonel Laughlin was given the most credit as his bombs were dropped closest to the sluice. A third squadron was called in, but by the time they arrived, the water was already pouring out of the now large hole in the dam.
This action had been personally requested by General Patton, and it was such a huge news story that within 24 hours, they were announcing the success over the radio. The 362nd's former commander, Colonel Morton Magoffin, was lying in a hospital when the bombing of the dam was announced. All they said about the mission was that it was completed by a "Thunderbolt" fighter group. He didn't even have to ask; he knew it was the 362nd.
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
October 1944