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Brookins (Richard) Personal Papers
SDASM.SC.10177
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
Title: Richard Clarence Brookins Personal Papers
Identifier/Call Number: SDASM.SC.10177
Physical Description:
1.3 Cubic Feet
This is a three box collection, each of different sizes. Three boxes with three different measurements: 15.25 x 12.5 x 5 inches,
15.25 x 10.5 x 5 inches, and 15.25 x 10.5 x 2.5 inches. The collection contains collection contains photos (personal, official,
reconnaissance), photo albums and negatives, certificates, scrapbooks, service records, and student pilots logs during training.
There was also correspondence - both personal and military – as well as newspaper clippings and artifacts both from WWII and
his days at Astronautics and S.A.C., and a few personal mementos.
Date (bulk): bulk
Abstract: Richard C. Brookins was born December 30, 1918 in Glendale, Ca. He graduated Louisiana State University in June of 1941 and
went to work as a Srtess Analyst at Lockheed Aviation in Los Angeles. He was selected for flying school a month later, and
then joined the 352nd Fighter Wing nicknamed “The Bluenose Bastards of Bodney” by German General Goering. Brookins flew two
tours as combat pilot and was shot down twice and had to bail out a total of three times. He flew Spitfires, P-47’s and P-51’s,
and always named his planes “The Duchess.”
After the war ended, he became a test pilot with the Thunderbirds.
Richard C. Brookins was born December 30, 1918 in Glendale, Ca. He graduated Louisiana State University in June of 1941 and
went to work as a Srtess Analyst at Lockheed Aviation in Los Angeles. He was selected for flying school a month later, and
then joined the 352nd Fighter Wing nicknamed “The Bluenose Bastards of Bodney” by German General Goering. Brookins flew two
tours as combat pilot and was shot down twice and had to bail out a total of three times. He flew Spitfires, P-47’s and P-51’s,
and always named his planes “The Duchess.”
After the war ended, he became a test pilot with the Thunderbirds. Before he retired in 1970, his resume included establishing
aircraft maintenance capability for NATO allies, building and testing the missile defense program, and serving as the Inspector
General for the Strategic Air Command (SAC) for two years.
After retiring, he moved to San Diego to join Anthony Schools, where he served as CEO and Executive Vice President for ten
years. In 1976 he was divorced and was re-married in 1977. He again retired in 1980 and became a full-time Christian Science
Practitioner. From 1989 to 1991 he was a Christian Science Lecturer and he was active in 6th Church of Christ, Scientist and
later, 4th Church in La Jolla.
Col. Richard C. Brookins passed away on December 7, 2003.
The collection is open to use by appointment. Some copyright may apply.
352nd Fighter Group photos
This is a three box collection, each of different sizes. Three boxes with three different measurements: 15.25 x 12.5 x 5 inches,
15.25 x 10.5 x 5 inches, and 15.25 x 10.5 x 2.5 inches. The collection contains collection contains photos (personal, official,
reconnaissance), photo albums and negatives, certificates, scrapbooks, service records, and student pilots logs during training.
There was also correspondence - both personal and military – as well as newspaper clippings and artifacts both from WWII and
his days at Astronautics and S.A.C., and a few personal mementos.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The collection was donated to the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
352nd Fighter Group
381st Strategic Missile Command
328th Fighter Squadron
Distinguished Flying Cross (Medal)
McConnell AFB, Kansas
Republic P-47 Thunderbolt
North American P-51 Mustang Family
Brookins, Richard
Le May, Curtis