Colonel Joseph Laughlin Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross
An article announces an award given to Colonel Laughlin
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.
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
1944
Riding Crop of Colonel Joseph Laughlin
Colonel Laughlin would slap the riding crop against his boot to get the attention of his dog, Prince
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 would smack this riding crop against his boot to get the dog to come to him.
National Museum of the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
November 1943- August 1945
P-47 Liftoff
A solitary P-47 aircraft from the 379th Fighter Squadron takes off
A P-47 from the 379th takes off for a mission. Note the closest wheel is already being put away. This picture is captioned as being at Station 159 in Wormingford, Essex, England. The plane is setting out on a bomber escort mission.
National Museum of the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
February 1944
Side by Side Takeoff
Pilots of the 379th Fighter Squadron execute a dual takeoff
It was not uncommon for pilots to execute dual takeoffs when launching for a mission. It ensured the planes would get into the air and into formation quicker than doing it one-by-one. This picture is captioned as being at Station 159 in Wormingford, Essex, England. The planes are setting out on a bomber escort mission.
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division, Collection # AR.2007.016
United States Air Force
February 1944
The Omaha World-Herald announces the Return Stateside of Colonel Joseph Laughlin
A brief overview of Colonel Laughlin's service in World War II upon his return to the States
This article announces the return of Colonel Laughlin stateside after V-J day. It gives a brief overview of his time in the Pacific and European Theaters of Operation.
Omaha World-Herald
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
September 5, 1945
Flight Test Certification of Colonel Joseph Laughlin, May 1944
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 the 362nd Fighter Group's base at UK Station 412 in Headcorn, Kent, England, is significant because it lists his good friend and Group Commander, Colonel Morton Magoffin, as his Instrument Check Pilot.
Army Air Corps
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
May 18, 1944