Airport terminal named for World War II ace fighter pilot
By Charles Shiver
If you ever want to learn about some interesting local history, please visit the Cook County Airport terminal building named for Donald S. “Bush” Bryan.
The airport has an exhibit with historic photos of the World War II ace pilot and his wife Frances, “Little One.” The exhibit features artifacts on loan from the Bryan family, including Mr. Bryan’s dress uniform, flight jacket, and medals. This is a local treasure in plain sight.
Cook County Airport Manager Jerry Connell, the Airport Authority, and Cook County should be commended for preserving Mr. Bryan’s awesome story for future generations. 
Lieutenant “Bush” Bryan was born on Aug. 15, 1921, in Hollister, California, to Ellis E. and Ethel Birdsall Bryan. He joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1943 as a fighter pilot and flew combat missions during World War II with the 328th Fighter Squadron of the 352nd Fighter Group, which was part of the Eighth Army Air Force, or “Mighty Eighth,” as it is better known.
It was with this squadron that he flew 138 combat missions, became credited with officially shooting down 13.3 enemy aircraft, and attained the recognition of being a “Double Ace” for his combat prowess in the planes which he piloted.
The first plane he flew in combat was a P-47D-2, which was named “Little One” for his girlfriend at the time, Frances Norman. After marrying Frances, he flew a P-51 Mustang named “Little One III” (a replica of which stands on display at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum), which he used to take down five enemy aircraft in one dogfight.
Lt. Col. Bryan served 23 years with the Air Force, receiving the Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters, and the Air Medal with 14 oak leaf clusters. During his combat missions, he never lost a wingman and even led the search to find a fellow pilot in the freezing waters of the North Sea, which proved to be successful and the pilot was safely rescued.
Mr. Bryan was an avid hunter and trout fisherman, and a Boy Scout leader in the 1960s. After retirement from the Air Force, he was employed by O’Brien and Greer (an engineering firm in Syracuse, NY).
In 1981, he and Frances moved to Adel, where he designed and built their home.
While in Adel, he was a volunteer with the American Red Cross Blood Bank and also a Red Coat with Memorial Hospital of Adel. He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Valdosta and a member of The Order of Daedalians, which is an organization for military pilots.
He will be remembered for his distinguished military career, his quick wit, funny jokes, a “tell-it-like-it-is” attitude, and his constant endeavor to help his fellow man.
(Aug. 15, 1921 – May 15, 2012)
‘The Little One’ – Frances Norman Bryan
Although born in Fitzgerald, Georgia, Frances and family moved early on to Tampa, Florida. Frances attended and graduated from Plant High School and attended Florida State University for Women for one year.
It was in early 1943 that Don “Bush” Bryan met his “Little One” at a dance in Tampa and began dating.
Don was already training for his tour overseas. He was transferred to the 328th Fighter Squadron of the 352nd Fighter Group and assigned as a flight leader flying P-47s.
The 352nd Fighter Group was transferred to Bodney, England, in June 1943 after they met. Don and Frances corresponded regularly while Don was stationed overseas.
In May of 1944, Don “Bush” Bryan returned to the states from some R & R. Don was already a highly decorated Captain in the Air Corps. Wasting no time, Capt. Don “Bush” Bryan proposed to his “Little One.” They announced their engagement and married on Wednesday, June 14, 1944, one day before Frances turned 21.
Don returned to Europe to finish his tour. It was only a few months after his nuptials that he was in the dogfight that landed him his “Ace in a Day” status and the Distinguished Service Cross.
After the war, the couple remained in the Air Corps, serving overseas until Don’s retirement in 1964. Their family grew to include four sons.
In 1981, the couple moved to Adel. Both Don and Frances were very active in their community. Known as “Mrs. Blood Drop” to many, Frances was the local blood drive volunteer coordinator for 13 years. In addition, Frances served as a volunteer for the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and was named Adel-Cook County Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year in 1996. The couple were also very active in their church, Christ Episcopal Church of Valdosta.
Bush and Frances were married for over 64 years.
(June 15, 1923-Sept. 12, 2009)
To Be Continued (More about Bush Bryan’s exploits!)
