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Trying to figre out if my Uncle would have worn Air Crew wings or Technician Badge?

Discussion in 'Information Requests' started by StratasFan, Jul 2, 2014.

  1. StratasFan

    StratasFan New Member

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    Hi! I am making a display case about an Uncle of mine who died during WWII. He was an Engineer/Gunner on B-17s and B-24s up in Alaska and the Aleutians. He was killed on 15 April 1943 when his bomber was shot down over the Aleutians. He enlisted in the Air Corps on 3 June 1939. I found a letter from him that has some interesting info about his service. This letter is from the Summer of 1941. I am wondering if anyone can help me figure out what badges he would have worn. Air Crew Wings? Technician Badge? Technician patch? etc. . . .

    Here is part of his letter. I don't know what he means about flying pay list or combat crew, so am wondering if anyone would know what badge or patch he would have been allowed to wear. I'd like a badge for my display, but don't know which was probably the mor e likely choice.

    "This month I was lucky enough to get on the flying pay list, which means I have a certain number of hours to fly and also a little extra money. I hope to get on the combat crew soon which would require me to attend routine flights and also a bonus of one half my base pay. Perhaps you have been wondering some about my application for enlisted pilot. for reasons I cannot state here I have been unable to put in for an application yet. As the age limit for enlisted pilot is 23, I’m afraid I will have to give it up as a bad job, I’ll be 23 in September. I really believe there will be more demand for mechanics after the war anyway."

    Thanks for any help!
     
  2. RRA227

    RRA227 Member

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    Find out what his unit patch was,awards he was qualified to wear.Like you posted Air Crew wings,Airframe and Powerplant qualification and specialist patch.That is my guess. Rich A. in Pa.
     

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  3. SirJahn

    SirJahn Member

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    Well here is the MACR # for the crash of a B-24 in Alaska for that date.

    MACR # 16219, PILOT GILLILAND, DON J., AIRCRAFT B-24D, SERIAL NUMBER 41-23970, UNIT 36th Bomb Squadron,
    LOCATION KISKA, AK.

    The AAF in WW2 Combat Chronology says this for 11th Air Force on April 15, 1943:

    "Reconnaissance over Kiska, Attu, Semichis, and Agattu spots no new enemy activities. Two bomber missions from Adak and 11 fighter missions from Amchitka, composed of 23 B-24s, 20 B-25s, 25 P-38s, and 44 P-40s, hit Kiska. One F-5A takes photos. 85 tons of bombs are dropped. Fires result on North Head and Little Kiska. One B-24 shot down in flames, four bombers receive battle damage."


    If you want to get the MACR you can order it here http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/src/dbmsn.asp?offset=2100 or there might be a copy in one of the geneology sites.
     
  4. mcoffee

    mcoffee Son-of-a-Gun(ner)

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    Here is the MACR referenced in the post above. Is your uncle among this crew?
     

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  5. StratasFan

    StratasFan New Member

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    Yes, that is him! I have the MACR and his IDPF. However, nothing talk about individual badges, patches, etc. I already have the medals he earned (not his, but vintage ones). Just trying to figure out what badge I should get for the display. Thanks!
     
  6. SirJahn

    SirJahn Member

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    You should write away for his military records at St. Louis. That will tell you every medal he earned and which training badges he would have gotten.
     
  7. StratasFan

    StratasFan New Member

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    Hi! I actually did and all I got back was a letter saying his file was destroyed in the fire in the 1970s and all that remains is one final pay voucher which I can get a copy of for $25. Someone even helped me write a letter asking for his Statement of Service, etc. But I still only got back the same old form letter.
     
  8. Slipdigit

    Slipdigit Good Ol' Boy Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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  9. StratasFan

    StratasFan New Member

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    Hi! Thanks for the advice, but he was actually in the 11th AF. 28th Bomb Group Composite, 36th Bomber Squadron Heavy. He graduated from Chanute Field, but I have been unable to get a reply from contacting the museum and archives. I was hoping to find his class photo. I know that it was in Spring/Summer 1940.
     
  10. SirJahn

    SirJahn Member

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    Veterans returning from WWII were encouraged to file their discharge papers with the county courthouse. You could check the archives there if you have the time.

    Doh. He was KIA. My bad
     
  11. StratasFan

    StratasFan New Member

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    Well, he was KIA, so he didn't come home. Good suggestion, but I don't think it would work for him. I do have his IDPF, but it doesn't give any personal info like what badges or patches or medals he earned/was entitled to wear.

    Does the part of his letter that talks about "flying pay list" and "combat crew" etc., help any? I would like to buy a badge for my display, but can't figure out if Air Crew Wings or a Mechanic Technician's Badge would be better.
     

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