Joseph Lennard Mason

Joseph Lennard Mason (April 10, 1915 – June 18, 1974) was a colonel in the United States Air Force. He commanded the 352nd Fighter Group during World War II and was a fighter ace. He later commanded the 3595th Pilot Training Wing and the 49th Fighter-Bomber Wing during the Korean War.

Early life Mason was born on April 10, 1915, in Washington, D.C.

Military career He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps' Flying Cadet Program on October 1, 1937. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant and received his pilot wings at Kelly Field in Texas, on October 5, 1938.

During World War II, Mason was credited with the destruction of 5 enemy aircraft and 2 damaged while flying 78 combat missions over Europe. While serving with the 352 FG, he flew P-47 and P-51s bearing the name "This Is It".

Summary of enemy aircraft damaged/destroyed All information on enemy aircraft damaged and destroyed is from Stars and Bars.

Awards and decorations His awards include:

Distinguished Service Cross citation

Mason, Joe Lennard Colonel, U.S. Army Air Forces 352d Fighter Group, 8th Air Force Date of Action: May 8, 1944

Citation:

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 Colonel (Air Corps) Joe Lennard Mason, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in action with the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane in the 352d Fighter Group, Eighth Air Force, on 8 May 1944. On this date, Colonel Mason with his wingman, without regard to the great odds against them, engaged and dispersed thirty-five or more enemy planes attacking a friendly bomber formation. During this encounter, Colonel Mason and one of his wingmen became separated from their Group. At this time fifteen more enemy planes appeared, and Colonel Mason unhesitatingly attacked, and although only one gun was operating, he destroyed an enemy plane with the last of his ammunition. Proceeding homeward, Colonel Mason observed a large number of enemy fighters threatening a bomber formation. Although completely out of ammunition, he attacked head-on, and broke up the threat. The heroism and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Mason upon this occasion reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.