Franklin D. Lown.
Pilot · Of Cotulla, TX.
The man.
From the 2nd Air Division Association Yearbook
Moved with 93rd Bomb Group to England in September 1942. Flew 25 combat missions (approximately 200 combat flying hours) in B-24s over France, North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and Germany. Shot down over Brest, France on April 16, 1943; captured immediately and held as POW until liberation in April 1945.
Service record.
Before and after.
Born July 23, 1920 in Cotulla, TX; grew up in San Antonio, TX. Graduated Harlandale High School in 1937. Entered Texas A&M University; graduated June 1941 with BS in agriculture education. Commissioned second lieutenant in February 1942 after completing pilot training at Randolph AAF and Brooks AAF, Texas.
Shot down April 16, 1943; remained POW until liberation April 1945. On continuous active duty USAF from July 1941 to retirement Aug. 31, 1970. Career: squadron to HQ USAF level, Joint Chiefs of Staff, NATO staff in Norway (33 months), HQ USAF Europe at Wiesbaden, HQ 7th Air Force in Vietnam. Command pilot with 5,500+ hours in 15+ aircraft types. Awards: Legion of Merit with OLC, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with three OLC, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, EAME, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Air Force Longevity Service Award with five OLC. Retired as colonel. Earned MA in education psychology from Texas A&M; worked for Bryan Independent School District 1971-1986. Married Marceia Jolley; three sons (David, John, Kevin — Kevin deceased). Lives in Bryan, TX.