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The Former Quarters of the 362nd Fighter Group in Reims, France
Lodgings were not always glamorous for the 362nd Fighter Group. However, after Colonel Joseph Laughlin managed to "acquire" a chateau outside Reims, the pilots of the group were upgraded from these tents.
Colonel Joseph Laughlin celebrates after returning from WWII
This photograph was taken just after Colonel Laughlin's marriage to Audrey Jean McElroy in late 1945, after his return from the war. It is one of the few times he is seen out of uniform.
A Nebraska Newspaper Touting the Successes of Colonel Joseph Laughlin
In this article, the recent successes of Colonel Joseph Laughlin in France are described. It includes the details behind a Ninth Air Force record-setting flight that was Colonel Laughlin's idea as payback to the Nazis for all that they had done so…
The 362nd Receives a Presidential Unit Citation
In this article taken from the Associated Press, the 362nd received their second Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy in Germany.
Colonel Joseph Laughlin Receives a Nazi Officer's Pistol
An unknown newspaper announcing that Colonel Laughlin would be receiving a German Officer's pistol. The pistol was one of thousands turned over when 20,000 German soldiers surrendered, a feat Colonel Laughlin and the 362nd were credited with helping…
Colonel Joseph Laughlin Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross
A Nebraska newspaper announces that Colonel Laughlin has received the Distinguished Flying Cross while he was stationed in England. The citation states that his proficient and aggressive manner has helped him lead his men against the enemy.
Colonel Joseph Laughlin is Awarded the Croix de Guerre
This Nebraska newspaper announces the Croix de Guerre medal has been awarded to Colonel Laughlin for meritorious service. This is after the 362nd had just received their second Presidential Unit Citation.
Before and After of the Linder Dam outside Dieuze, France and Story
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…
Colonel Morton Magoffin Pins Eagles on Colonel Joe Laughlin
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…
Colonel Morton Magoffin Pins the Eagles on the new Commanding Officer of the 362nd Fighter Group, Colonel Joseph Laughlin
Inside the briefing tent at Étain, France, Colonel Magoffin insisted on pinning the eagles onto his replacement, Colonel Laughlin.