Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Lowell
Kermit
Brueland
March 11, 1918

–

July 2, 2012

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

During World War II Lowell Brueland became DOUBLE ACE with 12.5 victories. He returned to service in the air during the Korean War, shooting down two MIG-15s. He retired in 1968 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    355th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    354th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    July 28, 1944
    Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 87 (November 8, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Lowell Kermit Brueland (AFSN: 9422A/ASN: 0-730366), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane in the 355th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force. On 28 July 1944, during a fighter sweep in the St. Lo area, Captain Brueland fearlessly led his eight-ship formation in an expertly executed attack on over sixty fighter and fighter bomber airplanes which were headed for the Allied front lines. In the ensuing combat, Captain Brueland destroyed three enemy fighters and damaged a fourth. Through his expert leadership, superior aerial proficiency, tactical technique, and extraordinary heroism against tremendous odds, the enemy fighters were completely dispersed and driven off. In addition the fighter bombers were forced to jettison their bombs, thus eliminating the threat to the Allied front. His actions on this occasion reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    39th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    51st Fighter Wing

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Lowell Kermit Brueland (AFSN: 9422A/ASN: 0-730366), United States Air Force, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot of the 39th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in Korea, in 1953.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    355th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    354th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Lowell Kermit Brueland (AFSN: 9422A/ASN: 0-730366), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 355th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    355th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    354th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Lowell Kermit Brueland (AFSN: 9422A/ASN: 0-730366), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 355th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    355th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    354th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    May 13, 1944
    Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 267 (November 13, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Lowell Kermit Brueland (AFSN: 9422A/ASN: 0-730366), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane in the 355th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, on 13 May 1944. While leading a squadron of P-51 type aircraft in a long range escort mission, Captain Brueland demonstrated extraordinary courage and fearless tactical skill in leading an attack upon more than twenty-five enemy aircraft. Displaying great determination and coolness in the face of unequal odds he pressed home his attacks and accounted for one enemy aircraft destroyed while dispersing the remainder. The valor and aggressive fighting spirit which he displayed on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the Army Air Forces.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    355th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    354th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Lowell Kermit Brueland (AFSN: 9422A/ASN: 0-730366), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 355th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.