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Railroad lines were a common target of air interdiction missions flown by the 362nd Fighter Group. Trains, their military cargo, and bridges were common targets of opportunity. The train and railway bridge were destroyed by fighter-bombers in the…

This German anti-aircraft weapon was designed to fire flak at high-flying aircraft. It could do some damage, even on the ruggedly built P-47.

This German anti-aircraft weapon was designed to fire flak at low-flying aircraft. It could be used against P-47 during divebombing runs, close-air support, and fighter sweep missions.

After the 362nd Group Commander, Colonel Magoffin, was shot down on August 10, 1944, Colonel Laughlin was named the new group commander. This move became permanent when Colonel Magoffin was not allowed to return to duty due to his POW status. After…

Inside the briefing tent at Étain, France, Colonel Magoffin insisted on pinning the eagles onto his replacement, Colonel Laughlin.

Colonel Laughlin gives a toothy grin as he settles into the cockpit of his P-47. Notice the suit and tie visible under his flight suit.

Colonel Laughlin "acquired" a black Cocker Spaniel in England. After naming him Prince, he made sure to bring the dog to every base they were stationed at throughout France and Germany. As Prince would roam the camps and airstrips, Colonel Laughlin…

This article, from a newspaper in Ohio, tells the story of a local pilot getting shot down in the Battle of Bastogne, but insisting on getting back to base as he was expecting to hear news that he was a father. This airman, 1st Lt. Duane E. Oyster,…

Although he was known as a very jovial person, Colonel Laughlin had a serious side that he never really showed in front of cameras. Here he looks out with a very severe and serious expression while standing in front of his final P-47 in his flight…

Colonel Laughlin talks and smiles as he poses in front of his first P-47. Although he had already been called Five by Five (for looking five feet tall and five feet wide) the elephant with the four leaf clover was a surprise. Captain George Rarey…