Louis L. Longman was born on January 23, 1918, in Murdock, Minnesota, to George and Ellen Longman. Both of Longman’s parents soon passed away unexpectedly: his father in 1922 and his mother in 1923. After the deaths of his parents Longman and his siblings moved to Clinton, Iowa to live with relatives. As a teenager, Longman worked for the Davenport Democrat and Leader as a newspaper carrier. He attended St. Mary’s High School in Clinton, Iowa, where he participated in several sports and other extracurricular activities, such as yearbook sports editor.

 In 1936, Longman graduated high school, and in February of 1942, he entered active service in the United States Army. A few months later, he transferred to the U.S. Army Air Forces. He completed his primary flight training at the Cal-Aero Academy, and his Basic training at the Merced Army Airfield, both in California. His Advanced Flight Training was completed at Williams Army Airfield in Arizona. On April 12, 1943, Longman received his wings after completing all of his flight training. Soon Longman began flying escort missions with the 475th fighter group. Throughout his military service, Longman ended up completing 89 of these escort missions.

On April 16, 1944, Longman left for an escort mission with the 5th Air Force, 475th Fighter Group (known as “Satan's Angels.”) For this mission, Longman flew a P-38J to escort A-20 Havoc bombers. The purpose of this mission was to surprise the Japanese at their base in Hollandia, New Guinea, and destroy their growing supply of war materials such as their combat warplanes. The mission itself was extremely successful. Unfortunately, on the way back from the mission, the American aircraft encountered a severe storm. The last reported sighting of Longman’s aircraft was near Bogadjim, New Guinea. This day was later called “Black Sunday,” as it was the largest non-combat loss suffered by the USAAF in the war.

Between 2007 and 2010, parts of the P-38J were recovered, as well as human remains. Later, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, who had been investigating crash sites, matched the mitochondrial DNA of remains found at one of the crash sites to that of Longman’s niece. Finally, after so many years, Longman was laid to rest at the Rock Island National Cemetery. He now rests in Section 1, Site 439.


Rock Island National Cemetery

i never knew this soldgier but i have come here to pay my respects!
Ronald Crouch AF Tech Sgt retired.

LOUIS L LONGMAN

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