I'm looking for information about Lt Thomas J J Christian, B17 pilot in 19th Squadron. Issued of West Point Military Academy, he was assigned to this squadron in 1941, a few month before japanese attack. He then transfer in Australia and guadalcanal with the 67th Pursuit Squadron. In 1943, he was C O of 361st fighter Group. He was killed on 12th august 1944 in my village with the famous P51 "LouIV".
 
Did some members of this squadron or of his crew have some remembrance about him, the mission he flew, any documents or photos for a book i write about him.
 
Laurent  
 

Hi from downunder! Dear Laurent,
 
Your request per details concerning Lt Thomas J J Christian.
 
Is he 1st Lt Thomas JJ Christian Jr ASN#0-21782 (Rank at Dec 1941/Jan 1942)?
 
If so, he's down per my research as a "then" Pursuit Ferry Pilot (With the Erection Depot at Amberley RAAF) at this time who ferried a recently re-assembled P-40E 41-5611 from Amberley on the 26th February 1942 to, I assume, Camden NSW(Near Sydney).
 
This P-40E was later flown by 1st Lt Ernie A.Harris, as #67 "Carolina Bell" on the 07/01/43 when he was with the 8thFS and s/d 3 Zeros in it. (Irrelevant to your quest, but an interesting post history on the aircraft?)
 
I'll see if I can drag up some addition information.
 
Was he with the 19th BS or was that the 19thBG?  If the later, there should be more information per the 5th Bomber Command Diary on when and where and possible evacuation details pre January/February1942.
 
Best
GordyB

He is listed as missing & not recovered:













CHRISTIAN, THOMAS J JJR 
O21782 
AAF 
COL 
8/12/1944



























































































































































































































































 
 
Terry T.

dear GorbyB
 
Thanks for the interest about my message.
 
I confirm that Lt Christian was with 19th Bomb squadron in the philippines Island in 1941.
He was USMA classmate 1939 and died in 1944 with the rank of Colonel.
 
Thanks for your help
 
Laurent