John H. Brand

Brand, John H., 85, passed away on April 22, 2008. Services will be 10:00 AM Thursday, May 1, 2008 Downing Lahey East Mortuary with graveside services noon Greenwood cemetery, Eureka, KS. Viewing will be from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Wednesday at Downing Lahey East Chapel. He was a retired Air Force officer who worked for several local firms, including Learjet, after settling in Wichita. He enlisted in the Infantry in 1940, ultimately flying 39 missions as a bombardier in B-17s and B-25s with the 8th Air Force, in some of the most desperate air battles in history. In one raid, his squadron flew B-25s into the harbor at Saint Nazaire to attack the heavily defended submarine pens at low level with aerial torpedoes. The squadron was all but wiped out by the intense flak, his crippled bomber barely making it across the Channel before crashing in England. He was shot down three times in Europe, including behind Wehrmacht lines in Occupied France, exfiltrating successfully through the Nazi lines. He won the Bronze Star in 1944 for landing a crippled B-17 when both pilot and copilot were too badly wounded to bale out. Before he enlisted he boxed professionally in New York, winning 38 bouts, and was never defeated. In Korea he flew raids with B-29s deep into North Korea, against fierce opposition by MiG-15 jet fighters. He was shot down once inside North Korea, landing 70 miles inside Red Chinese lines, again exfiltrating successfully. After Korea he flew B-29s, B-36s, and finally B-52s. His crew was chosen to be the first Strategic Air Command crew to fly the Mach 3 B-70, but the program was cancelled before any Air Force personnel but test pilots could fly the prototypes. He was a highly decorated hero, and admired by all for his courage, good sense, unassuming intellect, and quiet decency. After retirement he took up gardening and silversmithing. His family was the focus of his life. He was predeceased by his beloved and lovely wife, Rosalie, his infant son Michael and his mother-in-law Freda Meador and is survived by his son, John Brand II, grandson John Brand III, and nephews Mark and Steve Woodman. After so much hell and thunder he has reached at last a peaceful landing. Memorials have been established with DAV, 5455 E. Central, Wichita, KS 67208. Viewing will be Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM at Downing Lahey East Mortuary. The Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Thursday, Downing Lahey East Mortuary.