Briefing Document: Churchill Lasalle Scott Jr.

Subject: Biographical Summary and Military Service of Churchill Lasalle Scott Jr.

Date: October 26, 2023

Sources: Excerpt from biographical text

Overview: This document provides a biographical overview of Churchill Lasalle Scott Jr., focusing on his early life, military service in the US Army Air Forces during World War II, and his death in action.

Key Themes and Information:

Early Life and Family:

Churchill Lasalle Scott Jr. was born on January 29, 1915, in Dallas, Texas.

His parents were Cherry Isabell Cunningham (1895-1984) and Churchill Lasalle Scott (1887-1973).

He had multiple brothers. The text references two brothers in 1920 and three brothers in 1930. His brother, James F. Scott, was buried alongside him.

He lived in Mabank, Kaufman County, Texas (1920 census) and Brownwood, Brown County, Texas (1930 census) during his youth.

Education and Military Training:

He attended Howard Payne College.

He entered Air Corps pilot training school at Randolph Field, Texas in 1935. This indicates he was a trained pilot, even though he wasn't serving as a pilot on his final mission.

Marriage and Family:

He married Miss Mada Sparks on November 28, 1937, in Brown County, Texas.

They had three children.

World War II Service:

Scott served in England and the European Theater of Operations.

He held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (O-357187).

He was Chief of Staff of the 13th Combat Bomb Wing of the 8th Air Force.

Final Mission and Death:

On August 12, 1943, he was flying as a tail gunner (not his usual role) with the 335th Bomb Squadron, 95th Bomb Group.

The aircraft was a Boeing B-17F-90-BO Fortress, serial number 42-30194, named "We Ain't Scared."

The mission was a combat bombing raid to Wesseling, Germany, taking off from Horham, England.

The B-17F experienced engine failure and turned back from the mission.

The aircraft was attacked by enemy fighters and was shot down three miles south of Lommel, Belgium.

Quote: "For this flight only with 335th Bomb Squadron 95th Bomb Group flying in the tail gunner position of Boeing B-17F-90-BO Fortress s/n 42-30194 'We Ain't Scared' on 12 August 1943…The B-17F had engine failure and turned back when attacked by enemy fighters and was shot down three miles south of Lommel, Belgium."

Casualties and Post-War Events:

Five crew members were killed in action (KIA), including LTC Scott.

Three crew members became prisoners of war (POW), one of whom later died in the hospital.

Three crew members evaded capture.

LTC Scott was initially buried in a temporary grave in Belgium.

His remains were repatriated to Texas in 1949.

He was reinterred at the Greenleaf Cemetery in Brownwood, Texas, on August 27, 1949, in a double funeral with his brother, James F. Scott.

Awards:

LTC Scott was awarded the Air Medal and the Purple Heart.

Quote: "Churchill was awarded the Air Medal and Purple Heart."

Analysis and Important Considerations:

Unusual Role: The fact that a Lieutenant Colonel and Chief of Staff was flying as a tail gunner is noteworthy. This suggests he was either filling in for someone, gaining combat experience, or fulfilling some other need for the mission. This highlights the pressures and uncertainties faced by even high-ranking officers during the war.

Tragic Fate: The mission highlights the dangers of bombing raids during World War II. Engine failure and fighter attacks were significant threats to bomber crews.

Post-War Efforts: The repatriation and reburial highlight the efforts made to honor fallen soldiers after the war. The burial alongside his brother adds a personal dimension to the tragedy.

Conclusion:

Churchill Lasalle Scott Jr. led a life marked by service and sacrifice. He rose to a high rank in the Army Air Forces and died in service during a critical period of World War II. His story provides insights into the experiences of American airmen in Europe and the impact of the war on individuals and their families.

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