Browse Items (17 total)

This article describes the steps that 4 Nebraskans, including Joseph Laughlin, had to complete in order to be eligible to get their wings. It also describes the air corps program under which the new pilots were sought, as the Army Air Corps realized…

Although war was on the horizon, the US military did not know when it would arrive. This certification of enlistment in the Army Air Corps Reserve states that then-Lt. Laughlin would serve in the Reserves for five years. By the end of that period,…

In this article, the army has decided to rank the Air Medal above the Purple Heart. It also lists all of the medals in the Army from most prestigious to least prestigious.

These miniature medals represent the hardwork, determination, bravery, and leadership that Colonel Laughlin displayed throughout his 30 year military career. The medals he earned in World War II were (in order of importance): the Distinguished…

This map shows where and how D-Day was carried out by Allied forces. It also shows the front line position right before General Patton broke through the line with his Third Army. Major successes on the ground were due in large part to their air…

After D-Day, engineers from the Ninth Air Force were tasked with setting up temporary runways in France for the fighters, light bombers, and medium bombers to be able to support the First Army. Steel planks, which were used elsewhere in the war, were…

After D-Day, and in preparation for the breakout into France, engineers from the Ninth Air Force needed to set up temporary runways for the fighters, light bombers, and medium bombers to be able to support the First Army. Hessian strips were a…

In order to make sure pilots were combat ready and effective, the Army Air Corps required Instrument Flight Tests be completed every six months. This one, completed during the 362nd Fighter Group's training at Groton Army Air Field in Massachusetts,…

In order to make sure pilots were combat ready and effective, the Army Air Corps required Instrument Flight Tests be completed every six months. This one, completed at Wheeler Field in Hawaii, was completed by then-Captain Laughlin while he was…

In order to make sure pilots were combat ready and effective, the Army Air Corps required Instrument Flight Tests be completed every six months. This one was completed at Wheeler Field in Hawaii, four months before then-Captain Laughlin would be sent…