Lang Joseph Leo

Name:

Joseph Leo Lang

Rank:

Captain

Serial Number:

O-686643

Unit:

334th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group

Date of Death:

1944-10-14

State:

Massachusetts

Cemetery:

Epinal American Cemetery, Dinozé, France

Plot:

A

Row:

9

Grave:

47

Decoration:

Distinguished Flying Cross with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal with 3 Oak L

Comments:

Joseph Leo Lang was born on June 27, 1922, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was a fighter ace in WWII with the 4th Fighter Group and was credited with 7.83 aerial victories.

Capt. Lang joined the 4th FG in late December 1943 and, in May 1944, was promoted to Lieutenant. He was also designated Flight Commander of C Flight with the 334th FS. In June, he was promoted to Flight Commander of B Flight, right before participating in Operation FRANTIC II, the Russia Shuttle mission. On his return to Debden, he flew Ralph Hofer’s ship, Salem Representative.

On October 14, 1944, Captain Lang was KIA while flying a P-51D Mustang coded QP-Z with the 334th Fighter Squadron based at Debden, England. On his last mission, Capt. Lang had to abort the mission after crossing the English Channel. He turned back to Debden alone and was attacked by 10 Me-109s. He downed two in the ensuing dogfight before being shot down.

Captain Lang is now buried in the Epinal American Cemetery, Dinozé, France.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, www.abmc.gov