The Former Quarters of the 362nd Fighter Group in Reims, France
Before the chateau, the pilots of the 362nd Fighter Group were in tents on the edge of a forest
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.
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
September 1944
Colonel Joseph Laughlin and Officers of the 362nd Fighter Group in Front of the Chateau Outside Reims
Colonel Laughlin acquired a chateau outside of Reims in France to house the pilots of the 362nd Fighter Group
From left, 1st Lt. Joe Lane, Colonel Laughlin, 1st Lt. John Hill, and an unknown pilot stand in front the the chateau outside of Reims. Colonel Laughlin managed to "acquire" it, and it was large enough to house all of the pilots of the 362nd Fighter Group. These were the most comfortable accommodations the men would see during the war, and they never wanted to leave. The officers appear to have just come from the airstrip, as all of them are wearing their flight suits, with the two officers in front, both from the 377th Fighter Squadron, also wearing their leather jackets.
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
October 1944
A German POW Among the 362nd Fighter Group
The pilots of the 362nd stayed in these tents outside Reims before moving into the chateau, with a little help from a German POW
According to the caption on this photo, a German POW is directed to dig a latrine for the 362nd Fighter Group near their tents. Note the soldier on the far left, his guard. You can just make out a smirk on the face of the seated airman. The caption also states that these were the pilots' tents before they moved into the chateau.
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
September - November 1944
The Chateau Outside Reims, France
These were the pilots' quarters of the 362nd Fighter Group while they were stationed at Reims
This was the chateau located outside the city of Reims that was "acquired" by Colonel Joseph Laughlin for the pilots of the 362nd Fighter Group. They were the nicest accommodations they would have during the war, and no one wanted to leave.
National Museum of the United States Air Force - Research Division
United States Air Force
September - November 1944