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P-51 Gentleman Jim
Capt. James William Browning
- Nationality: American
- Nickname: Jim Willy
- Service Number: 17064844 / O-740361
- Highest Rank: Captain
- Role/Job: Fighter Pilot
- Awards: Air Medal with eight oak leaf clusters (1 silver, three bronze), Croix de Guerre Distinguished Flying Cross with three oak leaf clusters, Purple Heart
James William Browning was born on October 21, 1917. He joined the Army Air Corps in February 1942 and earned his pilot wings on August 17, 1943. He then joined the 363rd Fighter Squadron while still in training in Nevada. He was assigned to Captain Bud Anderson’s flight and stayed with him during training and later in combat. Jim Browning became a flight leader himself and Ace by shooting down seven enemy planes: 5 Me109s, 1.5 Me410s, and 0.5 Fw190s.
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 an excellent pilot and honed his skills with great determination. Bud Anderson said about Jim, “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 briefly and returned to the 357th in November for a second tour. Sadly, on February 9, 1945, Browning was declared Missing in Action when he failed to return from an escort mission. Last seen near Wurges, Germany, Browning's plane was being pursued by Me-262 jet fighters when they collided mid-air and subsequently crashed with Browning on board. Captain Bockay was there also and shot down two German jet fighters but never saw Jim's plane again. He had two more missions to fly to complete his second tour.
Capt. James William Browning is labeled as one of the heroes of the 357th Fighter Group, 363rd Fighter Squadron. His decorations include three Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Purple Heart, eight Air Medals, and the French Croix de Guerre.