John R. Brown Jr. - 362nd Ftr Grp, 1943

[Henofred]

Hello/Bonjour,

I looking for someone which have a copy of Dan Gianneschi's book, "Mogin's Maulers, 362nd Fighter Group's History of WWII." I am looking for what this book gives regarding a pilot - John R. Brown Jr. - who arrived during the early winter of 1943 with the Group (I don’t know its Squadron and rank at the time) and who was later transferred to the 363rd Fighter Group. Any detail would be very helpful.

Best regards,

Frederic

[KM1957]

Lt. J.R. Brown was with the 377th Fighter Squadron until March of 1944, then was briefly in the 378th Fighter Squadron in March before transferring to the 363rd Fighter Group. He flew two abortive missions with the Eighth Air Force's 356th Fighter Group, the first on January 7, 1944, in P-47D OC-L and the second on January 21 in OC-F. I have yet to find any orders (from any organization) which show how or why he wound up at the Martlesham Heath to fly with the 356th, no other 362nd Fighter Group pilots did so.

Kent

[Henofred]

Hi Kent, Thanx for all these details. It is surprising to note that he flew with the 356 FG while he was attached to the 362 FG. I would be very thankful if you could find something which explains why. I have also read somewhere that he was previously an USMC pilot.


Best regards,
Frederic

[RSwank]

There is a bio here, written somewhat "tongue in cheek" but I suspect the basic facts are correct.

https://books.google.com/books?id=Ek...%20air&f=false


You can view or download his E&E report here. There is a "blue" direct download button just below the viewing screen on the lower left.

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/5555...wn,%20John%20R

[Henofred]

Hi RSwank,

Yes, this text is written with a slight touch of irony. Thanks for the links (I downloaded the E&E report a couple of months ago). I am working on this loss and his report is a little bit turned in its favour...especially the part when the Germans surrendered.

Best regards,
Frederic

[KM1957]

I forgot to add the information from my copy of Mogins Maulers. This is all word for word, so will not vouch for accuracy.
January 13, 1944 Lt. John Brown Detached Service to Sta 156 Middle Wallop.
March 10, 1944 Lts. Brown and Lehto transferred to 378 F.S.
From what I can find, Station F-156 was Mendlesham, which was a bombr oriented base. Middle Wallop had the 67th Tac Recon Group, so I am unsure what Station he was actually sent to in January. Regardless, he wound up at Martlesham Heath to fly on detached service with the 356th. I did have the opportunity to talk to Mr. Brown years ago and will say he was interesting, to say the least.

Kent

[Henofred]

Thanks a lot Kent for these additional details. I tend towards Martlesham Heath which was home of 356th Fighter Group; Mendlesham and Middle Wallop seems to me unlikely. I have two letters of Mr. Brown, where he kindly answers to all the questions regarding the mission which saw his emergency landing in South Brittany, France. Iwould like to have known him personally.


Best regards,
Frederic