Colonel Joseph Laughlin Describes Devastation in Germany to his Hometown Newspaper
Colonel Laughlin describes the devastation inflicted on a region in Germany by his 362nd Fighter Groups
In this article, Colonel Laughlin describes what he sees on the ground after his 362nd Fighter Group bombed and strafed a region outside Mainz in Germany.
Grand Island Daily Independent
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
March 19, 1945
Colonel Joseph Laughlin on Joining the Army Air Corps
Colonel Laughlin describes joining the Army Air Corps in his own words
Colonel Laughlin tells the story of "chance" and "luck" getting him into the Army Air Corps.
Jamie Laughlin
Ondine Rarey
1995
Press Release Concerning Colonel Joseph Laughlin and the Bombing of Bremen Airport
A press release that touts the accomplishments of Colonel Laughlin and the 362nd Fighter Group
This press release, also found in a partial article from a Nebraska newspaper also in this collection, describes the recent successes of Colonel Laughlin in France. 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 far. It goes into detail about Colonel Laughlin's life before the war, his friendship with the current 362nd Group Commander, Colonel Morton Magoffin, and how he is viewed by the men in the group. It is also the only time his first wife, Kathleen, is mentioned in any format.
Ninth Air Force Public Relations Office, Army Air Corps
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
1944
A Press Release about Colonel Joseph Laughlin's Combat Record
Before his return to Nebraska on leave in the winter of 1944, the Public Relations Office of the Ninth Air Force sent this press release to the parents of Colonel Joseph Laughlin for distribution to local papers
This press release covers the combat record that Colonel Laughlin had accrued up until December of 1944. In it, it discusses his recent promotion, his awards, his most notorious credits of destruction, and an account of all destroyed German equipment. It also describes some of his group's credits as well as their overall mission in Europe.
Ninth Air Force Public Relations Office, Army Air Corps
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
December 4, 1944
The Omaha World-Herald Discusses Nebraskans Getting Their Army Air Corps Wings
Joseph Laughlin will be getting his wings after the final 3 months of training at Kelly Field
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 they were well under-staffed in case of war.
Omaha World-Herald
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
1939-1940
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