John England finished World War II as a TRIPLE ACE, credited with 17.5 aerial victories, including FOUR in a single day, for which he received the Silver Star. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, and as a Lieutenant Colonel was serving as Commander of the 389th Fighter Bomber Squadron from November 1953 to until his death in a flying accident while on Temporary Duty to Toul-Rosiere AB, France, on November 17, 1954. On that date, returning from an operational mission, he experienced engine trouble on final approach and veered to the side in an effort to miss a barracks area below, crashing to his death.
Sponsored by:
John
Brooks
England
DNB (1954)
January 15, 1923
–
November 17, 1954
Born:
Caruthersville
,
Missouri
Home:
Caruthersville
,
Missouri
Buried:
Arlington
,
Virginia
Cemetery:
Arlington National Cemetery
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Silver Star
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
362d Fighter SquadronRegiment:
357th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) John Brooks England (ASN: 0-739263), United States Army Air Forces, 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 362d Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Group, EIGHTH 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 ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
362d Fighter SquadronRegiment:
357th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
November 27, 1944
Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 66 (May 8, 1945)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) John Brooks England (ASN: 0-739263), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action as a Pilot of the 362d Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a fighter sweep over Germany, on 27 November 1944. Sighting a formation of approximately fifty hostile fighters, Captain England unhesitatingly led his Flight to the attack. By skillful maneuvering, he gained the initial advantage of surprise and was successful in destroying two FW-190s. Having become separated from the rest of his Flight, he never-the-less exhibited utter disregard for personal danger by engaging alone another large force of enemy aircraft. Although only three of his guns were now operational, he pressed home his attack with such forceful determination that he was able to shoot down two more enemy planes before withdrawing. Captain England’s gallantry and zealous desire to destroy the enemy at all costs served as an inspiration to all who participated in this action. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain England, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
362d Fighter SquadronRegiment:
357th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) John Brooks England (ASN: 0-739263), 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 Fighter Pilot of the 362d Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Group, EIGHTH 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 ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
362d Fighter SquadronRegiment:
357th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) John Brooks England (ASN: 0-739263), 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 Fighter Pilot of the 362d Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Group, EIGHTH 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 ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
362d Fighter SquadronRegiment:
357th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) John Brooks England (ASN: 0-739263), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot of the 362d Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Group, EIGHTH 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.