BRIEFING DOCUMENT: Houston Lee Braly, Jr.

Date: October 26, 2023 (Assumed based on request)

Subject: Biography and Military Service of Houston Lee Braly, Jr.

Sources: "Pasted Text" excerpt

Summary:

This document summarizes the life and military service of Houston Lee Braly, Jr., focusing on key biographical details, his military enlistment, and his tragic death during World War II. The information is drawn solely from the provided text excerpt.

Key Themes & Facts:

Early Life & Family:Born January 29, 1922, in Mount Sharp, Hays County, Texas.

Parents: Vonna Violet Quick (b. 1899, d. 1982) and Houston Lee Braly, Sr. (b. 1896, d. 1988).

Grew up in McCulloch County, Texas, living in Precinct 1 with his parents and siblings. The text mentions three siblings in 1930 and four in 1940.

The family resided in McCulloch County, Texas in 1935.

Education & Early Employment:Attended college for one year before enlisting in the military.

Listed as unemployed and residing in Dodge when he registered for the draft.

Military Service:Enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps from civilian life on June 15, 1942, at Dallas, Texas.

Assigned to the 383rd Fighter Squadron, 364th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force.

Piloted a P-51D Mustang (s/n 44-13797) from Honington Air Field, England.

Reached the rank of First Lieutenant (O-756462).

Fatal Mission:Killed in action on August 2, 1944, during a combat strafing mission northeast of Paris, France.

Strafed a camouflaged train on a siding.

The text notes: "1Lt Braly strafed a camouflaged train on a siding, on his fourth pass, out of ammo and following the flight leader..."

His aircraft was destroyed by a massive explosion from the train.

The text notes: "1Lt Braly flew through a massive explosion from the train, which ripped off his aircraft's wings and tail."

Crash landed in a garden, setting a nearby house on fire.

The text notes: "He crash landed in a garden in the front of a house, setting it afire."

Burial & Repatriation:Initially buried in Remy Cemetery by locals.

Remains repatriated to Texas in 1948.

Reinterred at Resthaven Cemetery, Brady, Texas on October 31, 1948.

Quotes from the Source:

"First Lieutenant Houston L. Braly, Jr. O-756462 US Army Air Forces 383rd Fighter Squadron 364th Fighter Group 8th Air Force piloting a P-51D s/n 44-13797 out of Honington Air Field, England on 2 August 1944 on a combat strafing mission in the area northeast of Paris, France."

"1Lt Braly strafed a camouflaged train on a siding, on his fourth pass, out of ammo and following the flight leader, who still had ammo, 1Lt Braly flew through a massive explosion from the train, which ripped off his aircraft's wings and tail."

"He crash landed in a garden in the front of a house, setting it afire."

"His remains were buried in the Remy cemetery by locals, and repatriated to Texas in 1948."

Conclusion:

This document provides a concise overview of the life of Houston Lee Braly, Jr., highlighting his roots in Texas, his military service during World War II, and his ultimate sacrifice during a combat mission. The text paints a picture of a young man who served his country and tragically lost his life in the service of his nation.