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John England finished World War II as a TRIPLE ACE, credited with 17.5 aerial victories, including FOUR in a single day, for which he received the Silver Star.
He was the leading ace of World War II from Missouri and England City Park in Caruthersville, Missouri has a memorial in his honor. Part of the inscription on the plaque reads "This memorial of Colonel England is dedicated to and represents the highest tradition of American fighting men lost in wars fought for the preservation of our freedoms.
In 1952, he was assigned to Alexandria Air Force Base in Alexandria, Louisiana as commander of the 389th Fighter-Bomber Squadron where he flew the F-86 Sabre. The squadron deployed to Toul-Rosières Air Base, France in the fall of 1954. After taking off on 17 November 1954, his engine flamed out and he was killed while trying to avoid a barracks building. For this selfless act, Alexandria AFB was renamed England Air Force Base
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) John B. England (ASN: 0-739263), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action as a Pilot of the 362d Fighter Squadron, EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a fighter sweep over Germany, on 27 November 1944. Sighting a formation of approximately fifty hostile fighters, Captain England unhesitatingly led his Flight to the attack. By skillful maneuvering, he gained the initial advantage of surprise and was successful in destroying two FW-190s. Having become separated from the rest of his Flight, he never-the-less exhibited utter disregard for personal danger by engaging alone another large force of enemy aircraft. Although only three of his guns were now operational, he pressed home his attack with such forceful determination that he was able to shoot down two more enemy planes before withdrawing. Captain England's gallantry and zealous desire to destroy the enemy at all costs served as an inspiration to all who participated in this action.
General Orders: Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 66 (May 8, 1945)
Other Memories He was assigned to the 362d Fighter Squadron of the 357th Fighter Group which was then flying the P-39 Airacobra. The 357th moved to Santa Rosa, California and then moved for additional training to Oroville, California in August 1943. After additional moves and training in other states, the personnel of the 357th boarded the RMS Queen Elizabeth and sailed from New York on 23 November 1943.
