Displays

Adrian Vernon Knox P-38 42-68081 Pilot 474th Fighter Group

Vernon was born on 10 November 1921.  He was one of seven brothers and sisters.  At the age of 16 he was accepted into Davidson College located in Davidson, NC.  He joined the Army Air Force in 1942 and after earning his pilots wings became an instructor at Spence Field in Georgia.  Later he decided to enter into the war as a pilot.  Vernon was engaged to his childhood sweetheart Hilda Mayes when he left for Europe.

Vernon became a member of the 474th Fighter Group, 428th Fighter Squadron flying the P-38.  On 23 December 1944 he was flying P-38 42-68081, a plane borrowed from the 429th squadron.  On this mission, the squadron was strafing a German convoy.  During the attack a truck mounted Flak 88 begin firing, hitting Vernon's P-38.  He turned his damaged P-38 toward home with fellow pilot Richard Johnston flying beside him.  His P-38 crashed soon after and Vernon was KIA.

On display are some of the many artifacts we have that were recovered from the crash site of Vernon’s P-38.  Accompanying the artifacts are many original photos, his college year books, pilots log book, and more from his family.  Today he is survived by two sisters, Connie Sue and Clara.