Jim Browning joined the Army Air Corps in Feb-42 and was given his wings on August 17, 1943. He joined the 363rd Fighter Squadron while it was still training in Nevada. He was assigned to Capt. ‘Bud’ Anderson’s flight and stayed with it during training and combat. Later Browning became a flight leader himself and shot down 7 enemy planes [5 x Me109, 0.5 x Fw190*, 1.5 x Me410].

Jim named his first P-51 ‘Gentleman Jim’ which befitted his character very well. He was a fun loving guy with a bit of devilishness about him. He was very determined which helped him gain excellent flying skills. Bud Anderson, speaking of Jim, said, “He could always be depended upon to be there when you needed him. We were great friends.”

After Browning’s first tour ended in August 1944 he went home for a short while and then returned to the 357th in November for a second tour. Sadly on February 9, 1945, Jim Browning was reported Missing in Action after he failed to return after an escort mission. Apparently after being bounced by Me-262 jet fighters Browning was involved in a mid air collision and his plane crashed with him in it.

Browning is labelled as one of the heroes of the 357th Fighter Group.



* His Fw190 shared claim, a demonstration of his 'Gentleman credentials' when he allowed the pilot to bale out of the stricken A/C.