Lt Norman E. English
AAF 2nd FTR SQ - 52nd FTR GP
Nov. 24, 1913 - June 1, 1945
Norman Eugene English was born in Cimarron in 1920. His family was still living in Cimarron in 1925 but had moved to Syracuse, Kansas by 1930. At some point after 1935 the family moved to Pueblo, Colorado. He served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II as a member of the 2nd Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Group. On December 21, 1943, he was reported missing in action over the Ligurian Sea (Italy). Despite extensive search efforts, his remains were never recovered, and he was subsequently declared dead.
The 52nd Fighter Group, to which Lt. English was assigned, played a significant role in the Mediterranean theater, engaging in numerous combat missions during the war.
Since Lt. Norman E. English was MIA in December 1943, it is likely that he was flying a Supermarine Spitfire at the time of his mission
A VERY BRIEF HISTORY OF THE 52nd Fighter Group
The 52nd Fighter Group (FG) was a distinguished unit of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II, known for its significant contributions in the European and Mediterranean theaters. Activated on January 15, 1941, the group initially trained with aircraft such as the P-39 Airacobra and P-40 Warhawk.
World War II Service:
Deployment to Europe: In mid-1942, the 52nd FG moved to the British Isles. Upon arrival, they received Supermarine Spitfire aircraft and, as part of the Eighth Air Force, conducted missions from England to France during August and September 1942.
North Africa and Mediterranean Operations: The group’s pilots flew Spitfires from Gibraltar to Algeria during the North African invasion on November 8, 1942. Subsequently, the group was assigned to the Twelfth Air Force and later to the Fifteenth Air Force, serving in combat across the Mediterranean theater until the war’s end. They supported army operations in Tunisia, Sicily, and Italy, and escorted bombers on strategic missions over occupied central Europe.
Aircraft Transition: Initially operating Spitfires, the 52nd FG transitioned to P-51 Mustangs in late 1944. The group was credited with approximately 425 aerial victories and over 200 ground kills by the end of the war.
Post-World War II:
After the war, the 52nd Fighter Group underwent several redesignations and activations, reflecting the evolving structure and needs of the U.S. Air Force. The group was inactivated on November 7, 1945, but was later reactivated and redesignated multiple times, serving in various capacities, including air defense and tactical operations.
The 52nd Fighter Group’s legacy is preserved through various historical projects and associations that honor its contributions during World War II. The group’s history is also documented in publications such as “Spitfires and Yellow Tail Mustangs: The 52nd Fighter Group in World War II,” which provides an in-depth look at their operations and achievements.
Today, the lineage of the 52nd Fighter Group is carried on by the 52nd Fighter Wing, stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, continuing its tradition of excellence in air operations.