Karl Brennan – Master Mechanic
By Karla Brady, daughter of Karl Brennan
Karl M. Brennan, of Lane, Illinois joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in December 1941. After completing Basic Training, he was stationed at Santa Maria Air Base in California where he was trained as a tail gunner specializing in aviation mechanics and the P-38 twin-engine fighter plane.
After earning a sergeant’s rank, Brennan was certified as a Master Mechanic. This designation kept him stateside for the duration of the war. He was transferred to almost every air base in the continental U.S., including Langley, Virginia and bases in Texas, Colorado and Kingman, Arizona.
Sgt. Karl M. Brennan 440th A.A.F.B. Unit Sqdn. E. Army Air Base Santa Maria, California.
During his time at Keesler Field in Mississippi, Brennan had the opportunity to meet and talk with maverick aviator Major Greg “Pappy” Boyington of Black Sheep Squadron fame.
Brennan was disappointed that he was not stationed at Chanute Air Base in Rantoul, the base closest to his hometown in DeWitt County.
Brennan received an honorable discharge in June 1946 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He returned to Lane and later moved to Clinton.
372nd Fighter Squadron Armament section, Santa Maria Army Air Base, Santa Maria, California. Sgt. Karl M. Brennan standing far left.
The mechanical skills gained during military service were put to good use during Brennan’s 35 years with the Illinois Central Railroad.
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