User:Verbistheword/Charles E. LeGrand

Charles E. LeGrand, born: January 1, 1923, Benton, Missouri.

Training
Graduated: Class 44-D, Spence Fld., Moultrie, Georgia. Transitioned to P-40's then to P-47's, Norfolk, Virginia.

Crash landed and totalled out one each Razorback Jug into the wooded area off the end of the runway. (Due to engine failure, Labor Day, 1944). Walked away from burning wreckage, unhurt (scratched left elbow). Lost my sunglasses and wristwatch.

World War II
Departed U.S.A. August, 1944, for European Theatre of Operations.

Assigned to 368th Fighter Group, 397 Fighter Squadron "Jabo Angels" then at Mons, Belgium, November, 1944.

The "Battle of Bulge" forced the 368th to move to Rheims, France. Arrived there Christmas Eve, 1944 (colder 'n hell). Pitched tents, stayed only a few days then we moved to Metz, France. Arriving New Year's Day, 1945. One of the squadrons was flying a mission, while one squadron had flown a mission and landed at Metz. France. One other squadron was on the ground preparing for take off, when the Germans came in with a bunch of ME-109's and straffed the hell out of us. I believe we lost ten to twelve P-47's and several were damaged.

I flew 52 missions. Engaged in three major campaigns and one dog-fight in April, 1945. Shot down one ME-109 and damaged one. Was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air-Medal with six oak leaf clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. After the end of the war, our group was assigned to the Occupation Forces.

Returning Home
Having enough points, I was allowed to return to the U.S.A. via New York. Entering New York Harbor, our ship, “USS Sea-Porpoise” was met by a couple of ships loaded with bands. This along with the sight of the Statue of Liberty was an unforgettable emotional experience, causing tears and a choked up speechless feeling. (I had the same feelings as I wrote this.)

After returning to the Port, I was transferred to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. While enroute to J.B., the “A” bomb was dropped on Japan and the war ended, canceling my assignment to that area.

I was released from active duty November, 1945. Returned to Benton, Missouri, and married Mildred S. Urhahn (hometown school sweetheart) May, 1947.

Continued Service
Was recalled to active duty March, 1948. Assignments included: Aircraft Commander/Instructor pilot B-47’s; 97th Bombwing SAC and Aircraft Commander; B-52 4135 Strat. Wing SAC, Eglin, AFB, Florida.

Retirement and Family
Retired after 23 years service in the grade of Lt. Colonel, June 30, 1965.

Settled in O’Fallon, Illinois.

Children: 1 son, Dr. Daniel (surgeon) age 33; 5 daughters, Charlene (R.N.) age 31. Mildred J. (artist) age 27, Kathleen (bank accountant) age 23, Harriet (nurse) age 20, Lynda (student) age 15.

Photo caption
[photo] Charles E. LeGrand with his airplane he flew his last 15 missions.