De Peyster Brown facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
De Peyster Douw Brown
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| Born | December 1915 Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | 3 August 1991 (aged 75) Santa Maria, California, U.S. |
| Allegiance | Canada United States |
| Service/ |
Royal Canadian Air Force United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1940–1957 |
| Rank | Flying Officer (RCAF) Major (USAAF) |
| Service number | RCAF – C1094 USAAF – AO1699391 |
| Unit | No. 1 Squadron RCAF |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
De Peyster Douw Brown was an American pilot. He was born in December 1915 and passed away in August 1991. He was a brave fighter pilot during World War II. He chose to volunteer and fly for the Royal Canadian Air Force.
De Peyster Brown was one of only 11 American pilots who flew with Fighter Command. This was during the important Battle of Britain in 1940. Because of his service, he earned a special award called the Distinguished Flying Cross.
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De Peyster Brown's War Service
De Peyster Brown joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in September 1939. He said he was Canadian to join. He was sent to learn how to fly Hurricane planes. These were very fast and powerful fighter planes.
In September 1940, he joined No. 1 Squadron RCAF. This squadron was based at RAF Northolt in England. He quickly became part of the action.
Fighting in the Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain was a huge air battle. It happened over Britain in 1940. British and Canadian pilots fought against German planes. They were defending Britain from air attacks.
On September 27, 1940, De Peyster Brown had a successful day. He shot down a German Dornier Do 17 bomber. He also helped to shoot down another German plane, a Junkers Ju 88.
On October 5, he faced tough combat. His plane was badly hit by German Bf 109 fighters. Even though his plane was damaged, he still chased one of the enemy planes. He was later given credit for damaging it. His own plane crashed when he landed back at Northolt, but he was not hurt.
After the Battle of Britain
In May 1942, De Peyster Brown transferred. He joined the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). He started as a lieutenant. He was later promoted to captain and then to major.
He continued to serve in the military for 12 years after World War II ended. After the war, he helped with the Berlin Airlift. This was a big effort where planes delivered supplies to the city of Berlin. He might have also served in the Korean War.
De Peyster Brown passed away in August 1991. He died in a hospital in Santa Maria, California.
See also
