Joseph Lee Van Fleet Jr

Military
media-38147.jpeg UPL 38147

The Van Fleet Family

Object Number - UPL 38147

Joe was a sweet, loving and humble man who saw his military service and time in combat as simply having done his part. His 35 combat missions over Germany and his post combat flying service in theater exemplified his willingness to step forward when needed, regardless of the danger or risk.

He continued flying after the war and accumulated over 50 years of flying experience without a single accident. In 2014, Joe was recognized by the FAA with the coveted "Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award" for his flying accomplishments. He flew numerous propeller and jet aircraft in his flying career including many years as pilot for the King Ranch in Texas, and corporate jet pilot for the Exxon.

Joe had a warm smile for every person he met, and he loved and was deeply loved by his family, his three grand daughters and three great-grandsons. His love of flying was second only to his love of family and his beloved Elaine to whom he was married for, as he described it, "...for 65 wonderful years."

Once when speaking with Joe about his combat experience, I asked him about the dangers of flying in formation while under attack from numerous German fighters, and with so many other B-17s filling the air with thousands of .50 caliber bullets. "Considering the heat of battle," I asked, "how in the world did you guys keep from shooting each other?!?"

He just smiled and softly chuckled, "Oh, it was a problem." As was typical of Joe, he simply saw those horrific conditions as a necessary danger that he had to confront.

Connections

See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.

Units served with

Unofficial emblem, 305th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 305th Bomb Group
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 305th Bomb Group
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 305th Bomb Group
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Waist Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 305th Bomb Group
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 305th Bomb Group
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Ball Turret Gunner

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Born

Revisions

Date
ContributorCHARLIE B
Changes
Sources

Van Fleet Family

Date
Contributortomroseland
Changes
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Tom Roseland

Date
Contributortomroseland
Changes
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Tom Roseland, son-in-law

Date
ContributorCHARLIE B
Changes
Sources

The Van Fleet Family

Date
ContributorCHARLIE B
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Sources

The Van Fleet Family

Date
ContributorCHARLIE B
Changes
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The Van Fleet Family

Date
ContributorLucy May
Changes
Sources

Added associations to crew members who were with pilot Joseph Van Fleet on 3 October 1944 and linked by Missing Air Crew Report (MACR) 9354.

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

MACR 9354 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database

Joseph Lee Van Fleet: Gallery (15 items)