Born and raised in the Texas Panhandle, Fred Browning joined the US Army Air Corps in 1945. He served in the Pacific – arriving on an island in Asia as a Private. He returned as a Sergeant with a Rifle Sharpshooter Certification, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal Victory Ribbon and 2 Overseas Service Bars. He was also briefly stationed with his brother, Kenneth – who he surprised in the “Mess Hall” (so surprised – he fainted!). He was frequently charged with the task of monitoring multiple pallets of US currency on base prior to payday. His trips to combat via Navy ship took 2.5 weeks each way. He returned to Texas, where he enrolled (just barely missing the deadline!) for Hardin-Simmons University, where he obtained a Bachelors and Masters in Education. He also met his bride (now 77 years married), Mary Alice. They taught in Texas for 3 years before accepting jobs in their beloved town of Lovington, where they have lived since 1957. He is a former beloved Lovington teacher and coach – however, according to former students, his favorite subjects were the Dallas Cowboys and chess. He is a faithful, long-time member of First Baptist Church. He recently celebrated his 99h birthday – and is still just as passionate about the Dallas Cowboys and love for the United States of America.
