A Lockheed P-38
A plane flown in both the Pacific Theater of Operations (PTO) as well as the European Theater of Operations (ETO)
The P-38 Lightning was a thoroughly capable fighter plane. Weighing in at the same maximum weight as the P-47, it could accomplish the same mission types with similar armaments. Utilized in both the Pacific and European Theaters of Operation, it is one of the only fighter planes to remain in production from before WWII until the completion of it. Colonel Laughlin could have flown this aircraft on missions in the PTO, but there is no indication it was ever assigned to any squadron he was in. The P-38 would have been present at the Invasion of Normandy, however, and Colonel Laughlin and the 362nd Fighter Group would have flown with them at that time.
Lockheed Corporation
National Museum of the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
1930s-1940s
The Waco CG-4A Hadrian Glider
A glider was perfect for hauling additional troops and supplies for the Army Air Corps
The Hadrian glider was the most widely used glider in World War II. It was steered by a pilot and copilot as it was towed by a larger carrier, like a C-46 or C-47. It could hold up to 13 additional troops and their equipment or vehicles. Hadrian gliders were flown over Normandy on and after D-Day.
Waco Aircraft Company
National Museum of the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
1942-1945
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