United States Army Air Corps:
The United States Army Air Corps was a small, under-developed air force on December 7th, 1941. Following the attack on Pearl
Harbor and the United States eventual entry into the war, the Army Air Corps grew into the most formidable air force in the world.
This page is dedicated to those pilots and crewmen who served in the Army Air Corps, United States Marine Corps and the United
States Navy.
When the United States entered WWII, Army Air Corps command had established guidelines for the specific clothing to be worn
by aircrews and pilots while operating Army Air Corps aircraft. As American aviators began seeing service in England and other
parts of the world, American pilots and aircrews began to adapt their clothing and flying equipment to the conditions where they
were operating. It was not uncommon or unheard of for pilots and aircrews to incorporate flying clothing and equipment from
other nations into their equipment. Many American pilots used and preferred the Royal Air Force MK VII goggles to the Army
Air Corps issued goggles. In some cases, equipment from captured enemy pilots and aircrews was put to personal use by American
pilots. Below are photographs of various Army Air Corps items in my collection. All of these items are original, WWII era issued
items. My collection does not contain any reproduction items.
Harbor and the United States eventual entry into the war, the Army Air Corps grew into the most formidable air force in the world.
This page is dedicated to those pilots and crewmen who served in the Army Air Corps, United States Marine Corps and the United
States Navy.
When the United States entered WWII, Army Air Corps command had established guidelines for the specific clothing to be worn
by aircrews and pilots while operating Army Air Corps aircraft. As American aviators began seeing service in England and other
parts of the world, American pilots and aircrews began to adapt their clothing and flying equipment to the conditions where they
were operating. It was not uncommon or unheard of for pilots and aircrews to incorporate flying clothing and equipment from
other nations into their equipment. Many American pilots used and preferred the Royal Air Force MK VII goggles to the Army
Air Corps issued goggles. In some cases, equipment from captured enemy pilots and aircrews was put to personal use by American
pilots. Below are photographs of various Army Air Corps items in my collection. All of these items are original, WWII era issued
items. My collection does not contain any reproduction items.
Above, left to right: 1) A leather, A-11 helmet with wartime RAF issue MK VIII goggles and an A-14 oxygen mask with original hose and throat
microphone. 2) A cloth AN-H-15 helmet with AN-6530 goggles and A-10A oxygen mask and throat microphone. 3) Another AN-H-15 flight helmet
with AN-6530 goggles. 4) A B-6 leather flight helmet displayed with a set of American Optical goggles 5) An AN-H-15 flight helmet with an A-1 flight
visor attached.
microphone. 2) A cloth AN-H-15 helmet with AN-6530 goggles and A-10A oxygen mask and throat microphone. 3) Another AN-H-15 flight helmet
with AN-6530 goggles. 4) A B-6 leather flight helmet displayed with a set of American Optical goggles 5) An AN-H-15 flight helmet with an A-1 flight
visor attached.
Above, left to right: 1) An M-5 Anti-Flak helmet displayed over an A-9 flight helmet, completed with a set of Variable Density gunners goggles and a
complete and rare A-9 oxygen mask with original hose. 2) An M-4-A2 Anti-Flak helmet displayed over an A-9 flight helmet and the mask portion of an
A-9 oxygen mask (desperately looking for a correct hose to add to this mask). 3) An M-3 Anti-Flak helmet. 4) An M-3 Anti-Flak helmet displayed
over a type A-9 flight helmet and leather face mask, 5) B-2 Flight Cap with WWII era sunglasses.
complete and rare A-9 oxygen mask with original hose. 2) An M-4-A2 Anti-Flak helmet displayed over an A-9 flight helmet and the mask portion of an
A-9 oxygen mask (desperately looking for a correct hose to add to this mask). 3) An M-3 Anti-Flak helmet. 4) An M-3 Anti-Flak helmet displayed
over a type A-9 flight helmet and leather face mask, 5) B-2 Flight Cap with WWII era sunglasses.
Above, left to right: 1) An OD "Crusher Cap" displayed with pilot headset. 2) An early Khaki "Crusher Cap". 3) An EM overseas cap displayed
with original, wartime period sun glasses (and incorrect insignia!). 4) A Khaki Officer grade AAC overseas cap, 5) A field made Army Air Corp
ground crew cap with hand sewn insignia applied to the cap.
with original, wartime period sun glasses (and incorrect insignia!). 4) A Khaki Officer grade AAC overseas cap, 5) A field made Army Air Corp
ground crew cap with hand sewn insignia applied to the cap.
Left: An all original WWII Army Air Corps pilots
jacket, shirt and tie, complete with original Army Air
Corps insignia, Presidential Unit Citation and pilot
wings.
jacket, shirt and tie, complete with original Army Air
Corps insignia, Presidential Unit Citation and pilot
wings.
Before becoming United States military pilots, fledgling Army aviators underwent the arduous task of attending and completing Air Corps cadet
training. Aviation training consisted of several blocks of training from flight instruction to advanced flight school. The task of making it
successfully through flight school was not easy task and many would-be recruits found themselves washed out of the training programs and on
their way to carrying a rifle as part of an infantry unit. Below are a number of Army Air Corp. cadet items in my collection. As indicated
above, all of these items are original, WWII or in some cases pre-WWII items.
training. Aviation training consisted of several blocks of training from flight instruction to advanced flight school. The task of making it
successfully through flight school was not easy task and many would-be recruits found themselves washed out of the training programs and on
their way to carrying a rifle as part of an infantry unit. Below are a number of Army Air Corp. cadet items in my collection. As indicated
above, all of these items are original, WWII or in some cases pre-WWII items.
Above, left to right: 1) An Army Air Corps Cadet visor cap with original marked cap device. 2) A light blue Air Corps cadet cap with a
royal blue band and Air Corps Cadet device. From all of my research, I believe this is a rare pre-war cadet visor cap that was worn with a
light blue uniform, standard for Air Corps cadets prior to the start of the war. If anyone has any additional information on this cap, I would
appreciate hearing from you. 3) A wartime photograph of an Army Air Corps cadet, shown in the same type of visor cap, worn with a
smart white flying scarf and leather flight jacket. 4) A hand colored period pportrait of an Air Corps Cadet.
royal blue band and Air Corps Cadet device. From all of my research, I believe this is a rare pre-war cadet visor cap that was worn with a
light blue uniform, standard for Air Corps cadets prior to the start of the war. If anyone has any additional information on this cap, I would
appreciate hearing from you. 3) A wartime photograph of an Army Air Corps cadet, shown in the same type of visor cap, worn with a
smart white flying scarf and leather flight jacket. 4) A hand colored period pportrait of an Air Corps Cadet.
Above/Left: Two original wartime photographs
of the same Army Air Corps cadet. The cadet
is unidentified. The PT-19A in the photos is
labeled as aircraft # 42-33691.
of the same Army Air Corps cadet. The cadet
is unidentified. The PT-19A in the photos is
labeled as aircraft # 42-33691.
Three \wartime photographs of the same Army Air Corps cadet, identified on one of the photographs as Del Morrison,
with the photos all dated 1942.
with the photos all dated 1942.
Left: A rare, wartime color photograph of a
Army Air Corps cadet and man's best friend.
This photo is printed on Kodak paper and is
dated April 2, 1943.
Army Air Corps cadet and man's best friend.
This photo is printed on Kodak paper and is
dated April 2, 1943.
Above: This is an Army Air Corps invitation to a square dance that
was held on January 16, 1942. This is most likely related to Minter
Field, one of the largest Army Air Corps training fields ever
established, that was located in Bakersfield, California. The
invitation came in its original envelope.
For more information about Minter Field, see their website at:
www.minterairfieldmuseum.com.
was held on January 16, 1942. This is most likely related to Minter
Field, one of the largest Army Air Corps training fields ever
established, that was located in Bakersfield, California. The
invitation came in its original envelope.
For more information about Minter Field, see their website at:
www.minterairfieldmuseum.com.
(Left) US Army Air Corps pilot of the 56th Fighter Group
standing next to a P-47D fighter plane, (serial # 42-7880
HV-N) with "Redondo Beach, California" (my hometown)
painted on the fuselage. Citizens of Redondo Beach, California
donated enough money in war bonds to pay for the production
of this aircraft and were recognized with the city name being
painted on its side.
standing next to a P-47D fighter plane, (serial # 42-7880
HV-N) with "Redondo Beach, California" (my hometown)
painted on the fuselage. Citizens of Redondo Beach, California
donated enough money in war bonds to pay for the production
of this aircraft and were recognized with the city name being
painted on its side.
A U.S. Army Air Corps Advanced Flying School ring dated
1941. This ring belonged to Lt. Col. Robert B. Kelly and has
his initials "RBK" engraved on the inside portion of the band.
1941. This ring belonged to Lt. Col. Robert B. Kelly and has
his initials "RBK" engraved on the inside portion of the band.
An original WWII era photo from my collection showing Air
Corps ace Robert S. Johnson (Lawton,Oklahoma) standing with
ground crewmen who are identified as (left) S/Sgt. J.C. Penrod
crew chief from Newark, New Jersey) and Sgt. Frank Bridges
(armorer from Linden, Texas). This is an original, Associated
Press photo taken during the war for publicity purposes and is
marked accordingly on the reverse side of the photo. Dated
5/16/1944. At the time this photo was taken, Johnson had 27
air victories.
Corps ace Robert S. Johnson (Lawton,Oklahoma) standing with
ground crewmen who are identified as (left) S/Sgt. J.C. Penrod
crew chief from Newark, New Jersey) and Sgt. Frank Bridges
(armorer from Linden, Texas). This is an original, Associated
Press photo taken during the war for publicity purposes and is
marked accordingly on the reverse side of the photo. Dated
5/16/1944. At the time this photo was taken, Johnson had 27
air victories.
Original, WWII era
photograph of an unknown
P-39 pilot appearing to be
in good spirits!
photograph of an unknown
P-39 pilot appearing to be
in good spirits!
Original, WWII era photo
of 2nd Lt. Joseph
Zabawski, Army Air Corps
Bombardier School, dated
December 1942.
of 2nd Lt. Joseph
Zabawski, Army Air Corps
Bombardier School, dated
December 1942.
Left: This is a WWII "era" Army Air Corps stein. This stein was most likely produced
immediately after the war ended as the Army Air Corps became the United States Air Force
in 1947. There is no doubt that this stein was made prior to 1947. German made Army Air
Corps steins are fairly rare to come across and this one is in terrific condition with only a
small chip along the bottom, which is not visible.
immediately after the war ended as the Army Air Corps became the United States Air Force
in 1947. There is no doubt that this stein was made prior to 1947. German made Army Air
Corps steins are fairly rare to come across and this one is in terrific condition with only a
small chip along the bottom, which is not visible.
Right: Various Army Air Corps
related items including an Air Corps
bible, F6F Fighter plane fuel gauge,
Varga girl pin-up drawing
autogaphed by numerous American
aces, an original pack of Lucky
Strike cigarettes with wartime Zippo
lighter and photo autographed by
ace Francis "Gabby" Gabreski.
related items including an Air Corps
bible, F6F Fighter plane fuel gauge,
Varga girl pin-up drawing
autogaphed by numerous American
aces, an original pack of Lucky
Strike cigarettes with wartime Zippo
lighter and photo autographed by
ace Francis "Gabby" Gabreski.
Pre and early war Army Air Corps chevrons,
all original issue.
all original issue.
Nice, wartime, 8x10 photograph showing three graduating classes from the Spartan
Flying School in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1943. If anyone from this graduating class
comes across this page, I would enjoy hearing from you.
Flying School in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1943. If anyone from this graduating class
comes across this page, I would enjoy hearing from you.
An early or pre-WWII Army Air Corps
plaque from Hickam Field, Hawaii. The
Air Corps plaque is named to Sgt. Curtis
M. Long.
plaque from Hickam Field, Hawaii. The
Air Corps plaque is named to Sgt. Curtis
M. Long.
Above/Right: Original wartime photographs in my collection showing P-39 pilots and
an Army Air Corps pilot in his khaki dress uniform.
an Army Air Corps pilot in his khaki dress uniform.
United States Navy and Marine Corps:
Above: The obverse and reverse of a WWII set of Navy/USMC pilot wings, made by
Amico and marked "Amico" and "sterling" on the reverse side.
Amico and marked "Amico" and "sterling" on the reverse side.
Above: A sterling bracelet for a
Navy/USMC aviator, named to James
E. Grinstead.
Navy/USMC aviator, named to James
E. Grinstead.
A recent addition to my collection, an early war,
WWII issue Navy Cross "Black Widow version",
with original ribbon and original campaign ribbon.
WWII issue Navy Cross "Black Widow version",
with original ribbon and original campaign ribbon.
WWII rayon Type-2 Blood Chit for use in
China. This one belonged to a USMC aviator.
China. This one belonged to a USMC aviator.
An associate officers club pass for the Pearl
Harbor officers club, dated 5/3/44 and
named to a Lt. Commander.
Harbor officers club, dated 5/3/44 and
named to a Lt. Commander.
A khaki, WWII issue USMC overseas cap with original EGA named to
"J.J. Dahl", and a green, WWII issue USMC overseas cap with original
EGA.
"J.J. Dahl", and a green, WWII issue USMC overseas cap with original
EGA.
U.S. Pacific Theater Gun Camera Footage
Recognize the female in the photo to the left? That is 19 year old technician,
Norma Jean Baker Dougherty, installing a propeller on a radio controlled
drone aircraft at a California factory. This same technician would later
remake herself as a pin-up girl and one of the most glamorous of movie
stars. This technician pictured during her wartime occupation is in fact,
Marilyn Monroe. To the right is a drone propeller in my collection,
manufactured by the same company where Marilyn Monroe was employed.
Norma Jean Baker Dougherty, installing a propeller on a radio controlled
drone aircraft at a California factory. This same technician would later
remake herself as a pin-up girl and one of the most glamorous of movie
stars. This technician pictured during her wartime occupation is in fact,
Marilyn Monroe. To the right is a drone propeller in my collection,
manufactured by the same company where Marilyn Monroe was employed.
Don't forget to check out the items for sale and trade page! Original WWII items and autographed items!
Click on Kilroy
and email me.
and email me.
Right: A MINT pair of A-11 flight
gloves with Army Air Corps markings
and liners.
gloves with Army Air Corps markings
and liners.
Pre-War and Training Items: Army Air Corps Cadet
A view of my RAF
Type C flight helmet,
complete with MKVIII
flight goggles and a
Type G oxygen mask.
Many thanks to Geoff
at oldnautibits.com for
working so hard to
find me a Type G
mask that I couldn't
resist!
Type C flight helmet,
complete with MKVIII
flight goggles and a
Type G oxygen mask.
Many thanks to Geoff
at oldnautibits.com for
working so hard to
find me a Type G
mask that I couldn't
resist!
Above: Col. Glenn T Eagleston,
U.S. fighter pilot/ace, wearing
an RAF Type C flight helmet
and RAF MKVIII flight goggles.
U.S. fighter pilot/ace, wearing
an RAF Type C flight helmet
and RAF MKVIII flight goggles.
2) 215th Bomber Squadron (October 1943 - May 1944)
3) 117th Transport Squadron (June 1944 - October 1944)
4) 42 Air School (November 1944 - March 1945)
5) 43 Air School Port Alfred (May 1945 - July 1945)
William's log book shows him having a total of 593 daytime flight hours and another 257 nighttime flight hours. He flew in numerous types
of aircraft including, Wellington III, Wellington X, Douglas Dakota C-47, Lockheed Lodestar, Avro Anson and the Avro Lancaster. (click on
photos for more detail view)
William Lyons flew a total of 31 combat bombing sorties, 20 supply drop sorties, and 20 sorties landing to deliver supplies. In total,
he flew 63 combat sorties during his service time in World War Two. A small notation in the front of Lyons' log book indicates that
this is his second log book, further indicating that his first log book was lost in transit while being transferred to the China Burma India
theater of war.
No. 215 Squadron
Motto: "Surgite nox adest" ("Arise, night is at hand").
Badge: A porcupine. The Squadron was formed at Coudekerque in France (early 1900's), the arms of which are described as "de
sable un porcepic d' argent, couronne d'or" and a porcupine was therefore considered an appropriate association. Authority: King
George VI, November 1937.
No 30 Operational Training Unit
Formed in No 93 Group on 28 June 1942 at Hixon, it was equipped with Wellingtons to train night bomber crews and by 1944 it
was operating Wellington III and Xs. It also used a wide variety of other types for support activities including Defiants, Lysanders,
Martinets, Oxfords, Masters, Hurricanes and Tomahawks. As the need for bomber crews diminished, the unit was reduced to
three-quarter strength in October 1944, was transferred to No 91 Group and relocated to Gamston in February 1945, where it
remained until disbanding on 12 June that year.
3) 117th Transport Squadron (June 1944 - October 1944)
4) 42 Air School (November 1944 - March 1945)
5) 43 Air School Port Alfred (May 1945 - July 1945)
William's log book shows him having a total of 593 daytime flight hours and another 257 nighttime flight hours. He flew in numerous types
of aircraft including, Wellington III, Wellington X, Douglas Dakota C-47, Lockheed Lodestar, Avro Anson and the Avro Lancaster. (click on
photos for more detail view)
William Lyons flew a total of 31 combat bombing sorties, 20 supply drop sorties, and 20 sorties landing to deliver supplies. In total,
he flew 63 combat sorties during his service time in World War Two. A small notation in the front of Lyons' log book indicates that
this is his second log book, further indicating that his first log book was lost in transit while being transferred to the China Burma India
theater of war.
No. 215 Squadron
Motto: "Surgite nox adest" ("Arise, night is at hand").
Badge: A porcupine. The Squadron was formed at Coudekerque in France (early 1900's), the arms of which are described as "de
sable un porcepic d' argent, couronne d'or" and a porcupine was therefore considered an appropriate association. Authority: King
George VI, November 1937.
No 30 Operational Training Unit
Formed in No 93 Group on 28 June 1942 at Hixon, it was equipped with Wellingtons to train night bomber crews and by 1944 it
was operating Wellington III and Xs. It also used a wide variety of other types for support activities including Defiants, Lysanders,
Martinets, Oxfords, Masters, Hurricanes and Tomahawks. As the need for bomber crews diminished, the unit was reduced to
three-quarter strength in October 1944, was transferred to No 91 Group and relocated to Gamston in February 1945, where it
remained until disbanding on 12 June that year.
William Lyons - WWII Royal Air Force
My wife's grandfather, William Lyons, was a wireless operator and air gunner who served in a bomber squadron in the China Burma India
theater. With the thanks of one of William's sons, Steven Lyons, old photograph of William Lyons during his war time service have been
sent along and are proudly posted here. Also pictured is my wife's grandmother, Josephine Lyons, also shown in one photograph during
her wartime service in the Womens Auxiliary Air Froce (WAAF). It is with great honor that William and Josephine's photographs appear
here as a tribute to their service during the war.
theater. With the thanks of one of William's sons, Steven Lyons, old photograph of William Lyons during his war time service have been
sent along and are proudly posted here. Also pictured is my wife's grandmother, Josephine Lyons, also shown in one photograph during
her wartime service in the Womens Auxiliary Air Froce (WAAF). It is with great honor that William and Josephine's photographs appear
here as a tribute to their service during the war.
Wartime photograph of Josephine
Lyons in uniform.
Lyons in uniform.
Wartime photographs of William Lyons in uniform.
More About William Lyons:
Lancaster
Avro Anson
In association with the photographs above, a nice grouping of insignia
items representing what William Lyons wore on his uniform during the
war. Pictured here is his original Observer's and Air Gunner's Flying
Log Book, a Wireless Air Gunner Wing, wartime RAF rank insignia
and a RAF issued Wireless Operator insignia sleeve patch. All of the
items are original WWII Royal Air Force issue. (Click on any of the
photographs for a more detailed view of the photo.)
items representing what William Lyons wore on his uniform during the
war. Pictured here is his original Observer's and Air Gunner's Flying
Log Book, a Wireless Air Gunner Wing, wartime RAF rank insignia
and a RAF issued Wireless Operator insignia sleeve patch. All of the
items are original WWII Royal Air Force issue. (Click on any of the
photographs for a more detailed view of the photo.)
A view of one page from Lyons flying log
book, showing logs from late June of 1944.
At the time, Lyons was newly assigned to
RAF 117th Transport Squadron. This page
shows his combat sorties totals having just
come from the 215th Bomb Squadron.
book, showing logs from late June of 1944.
At the time, Lyons was newly assigned to
RAF 117th Transport Squadron. This page
shows his combat sorties totals having just
come from the 215th Bomb Squadron.
Dakota C-47
Wellington
Lodestar
Original, WWII era RAF officers visor
cap. 100% original, pre-1945
manufactured RAF visor cap.
cap. 100% original, pre-1945
manufactured RAF visor cap.
Two original, WWII era, RAF side caps, one being for
enlisted men and the other being an officers side cap.
Both are WWII era, pre-1945 side caps, in great
condition and 100% original.
enlisted men and the other being an officers side cap.
Both are WWII era, pre-1945 side caps, in great
condition and 100% original.
WWII era RAF New Testament bible.
An RAF medallion for the winners of the Basingstoke Cup Final, 1945. It was
awarded to F./Lt. R.T.J. Wright of the 84th G.S.U. (Group Support Unit) of the
Royal Air Force. This was for winning a soccer match I am guessing! I do know
the 84th G.S.U. was stationed at Aston Down in Gloucestershire from 2/1944 to
3/1944, flying Mustang I's, Tempests, Typhoons and Spitfire Mark IX.
awarded to F./Lt. R.T.J. Wright of the 84th G.S.U. (Group Support Unit) of the
Royal Air Force. This was for winning a soccer match I am guessing! I do know
the 84th G.S.U. was stationed at Aston Down in Gloucestershire from 2/1944 to
3/1944, flying Mustang I's, Tempests, Typhoons and Spitfire Mark IX.
This grouping is for a number of British Air Raid Warden
items, including the warden's helmet, original issue gas
mask and carry bag, set of issue, rubberized goggles, Air
Raid Warden's lapel pin, Warden's whistle, and dimming
cloth with original case. All 100% original, of pre-1945
manufacture and the entire grouping was obtained together
from England several years ago. I know from the seller I
purchased the items from that the grouping belonged to a
female Air Raid Warden who served during the Blitz.
Really impressive all together!
items, including the warden's helmet, original issue gas
mask and carry bag, set of issue, rubberized goggles, Air
Raid Warden's lapel pin, Warden's whistle, and dimming
cloth with original case. All 100% original, of pre-1945
manufacture and the entire grouping was obtained together
from England several years ago. I know from the seller I
purchased the items from that the grouping belonged to a
female Air Raid Warden who served during the Blitz.
Really impressive all together!
RAF Items:
Below are a few RAF (Royal Air Force) items in my collection.
Above: (left to right) 1) A Navy/Marine AN6543, leather flight helmet with original avionics and Polariod Type B-8 goggles, 2) An AN6540
series flight helmet displayed with Mark II goggles with amber lenses, 3) A US Navy/Marine Corps 1092 leather flight helmet with leather ear
cups (with TH-37 receivers) displayed with Seesall goggles with blue tinted lenses, 4) An M-450 flight helmet with original period, private
purchase goggles.
series flight helmet displayed with Mark II goggles with amber lenses, 3) A US Navy/Marine Corps 1092 leather flight helmet with leather ear
cups (with TH-37 receivers) displayed with Seesall goggles with blue tinted lenses, 4) An M-450 flight helmet with original period, private
purchase goggles.
Above: A small, WWII era 48 star American flag, recovered from the body of an
American paratrooper who was killed during the D-Day invasion, shown displayed
with a number of WWII era issued medals. The medals shown include: the Silver
Star, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the
Purple Heart and the Soldiers Medal.
American paratrooper who was killed during the D-Day invasion, shown displayed
with a number of WWII era issued medals. The medals shown include: the Silver
Star, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the
Purple Heart and the Soldiers Medal.
Above: A Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal, displayed with their original
issue cases, along with an Army Air Corp bracelet and AAC medal for merit.
issue cases, along with an Army Air Corp bracelet and AAC medal for merit.
Press PLAY to watch a short film
showing Pacific gun camera footage
showing Pacific gun camera footage
