World War II Honoree

John Edward Follen, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Alhambra, California

Honored By

Michael Follen

Relationship

Son

He served as a pilot in the 447th Bomb Group, in the 83rd Fighter Squadron and as part of the 708th Bombardment Squadron with the 8th Air Force, during WWII. He was stationed at the Royal Air Force Rattlesden Air Base, Suffolk, England. He was Commander of a B-17 at age 20, and was the youngest member of the crew that served with him. He flew 44 successful combat missions with the 8th Air Force, despite being shot down over Germany, where he was rescued by the French Resistance. After a harrowing set of circumstances over several weeks, disguised as a mute farmer by the Resistance group who facilitated his return to base, He eventually made it back to Rattlesden Air Base in England. From the time of his enlistment in 1942 to his honorable separation/discharge in 1946, he racked up 875 flying hours and 275 combat flying hours, which included his participation in Operation Overload the D-Day Invasion and the Battle of The Bulge. He was awarded the U.S. Air Medal, 5 Oak Clusters/1 Silver Oak Cluster, the European Theatre Ribbon, 3 Battle Stars for the Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe battle/campaigns, the American Theatre Ribbon, the WWII Victory Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and 1 Overseas Service Bar, and he was officially a member of the 8th Air Force Lucky Bastards Club. He piloted the B-17 'Task Force' 42-6052, Was a Pilot of a B-24 Liberator, and a Fighter Pilot of a P-51 Mustang, he served as a P-51 Flight Instructor stateside, after the war.