A Commemorative History of the USAAF Ninth Air Force
A book of illustrations that depict life for the men of the Ninth Air Force
This book tells the history of the Ninth Air Force through illustrations of the various goings-on by men in the Ninth Air Force. From Bomber and Fighter Groups to Intelligence Units, the illustrations tell the story of the men who fought in the Ninth Air Force from conception to V-J Day.
United States Army Air Corps
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
1945-1946
Illustration of Engineers from the Ninth Air Force Laying Out Hessian Strips For Runways
A special group within the Ninth Air Force was responsible for building new and temporary airfields for fighters, medium bombers, and light bombers closer to the front lines
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 lightweight and effective alternative compared to the steel planks that were being used in the other theaters of war, and less dusty than their mesh counterparts that were used during the first few weeks of the Invasion at Normandy. <br />This illustration can be found in <em>The Commemorative History of the Ninth Air Force</em> book.
United States Army Air Corps
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
1945-1946
Illustration of Engineers from the Ninth Air Force Laying Out Mesh for Runways
A special group within the Ninth Air Force was responsible for building new and temporary airfields for fighters, medium bombers, and light bombers closer to the front lines
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 too heavy and cumbersome to be used. Instead, engineers would use a heavy truck called a "wobbly" to flatten and firm the ground. Then they would lay down mesh and secure it. It took less than a week to build, but it was very dusty to fly on. Mesh was replaced by Hessian strip a few weeks after D-Day. <br />This illustration can be found in <em>The Commemorative History of the Ninth Air Force</em> book.
United States Army Air Corps
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
1945-1946
Maps Indicating Extent of the Normandy Invasion
The 362nd Fighter Group flew hundreds of missions leading up to, taking part in, and breaking out after the Invasion of Normandy
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 counterparts who flew air interdiction and close-air support missions before, during, and after the Invasion at Normandy.
National Museum of the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
Flight Test Certification of Then-2nd Lt. Joseph Laughlin, September 1940
One of several instrument flight tests Colonel Laughlin would complete in the Army Air Corps
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, just under a year before the attacks at Pearl Harbor would destroy his and his squadrons' planes and lead the U.S. into war.
Army Air Corps
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
December 23, 1940
Flight Test Certification of Then-Captain Joseph Laughlin, January 1943
One of several instrument flight tests Colonel Laughlin would complete in the Army Air Corps
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 stateside to help build and command the 379th Fighter Squadron.
Army Air Corps
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
January 19, 1943
The Certification of Then-2nd Lt. Joseph Laughlin in the US Army Air Corps Reserve
This certification was presented to then-Lt. Laughlin upon his arrival at Wheeler Field in Hawaii
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, Joseph Laughlin would be a Colonel, an experienced combat pilot, and a Fighter Group Commander.
Army Air Corps
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
July 26, 1940
Flight Test Certification of Then-2nd Lt. Joseph Laughlin, June 1941
One of several instrument flight tests Colonel Laughlin would complete in the Army Air Corps
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, Hawaii, just 6 months and a day before the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor. Because of the attack, Colonel Laughlin would not have another Instrument Flight Check for almost a year.
Army Air Corps
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
June 6, 1941
Flight Test Certification of Colonel Joseph Laughlin, March 1945
One of several instrument flight tests Colonel Laughlin would complete in the Army Air Corps
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 the 362nd Fighter Groups' base at Station A-82 in Étain, France, a week before they would move into Germany.
Army Air Corps
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
March 30, 1945
Flight Test Certification of Then-Captain Joseph Laughlin, May 1942
One of several instrument flight tests Colonel Laughlin would complete in the Army Air Corps
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 fighting in the Pacific Theater of Operations
Army Air Corps
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
May 9, 1942