Original German p ost WW2 / 1957 pattern Luftwaffe Fighter Squadron Clasp in Gold, IN VERY NICE CONDITION – PERFECT PIN DEVICE / NICE ST&L (STEINHAUER UND LUECK) MADE LATER EXAMPLE (OPEN HINGEBLOCK), A VERY GOOD PIECE. FEW FACTS ABOUT THE 1957 PATTERN AWARDS. In 1957 the West German government authorised replacement Iron Crosses with an Oak Leaf Cluster in place of the swastika, similar to the Iron Crosses of 1813, 1870, and 1914, which could be worn by World War II Iron Cross recipients. The 1957 law also authorised de-Nazified versions of most other World War II-era decorations (except those specifically associated with Nazi Party organizations, such as SS Long Service medals, or with the expansion of the German Reich, such as the medals for the annexation of Austria, the Sudetenland, and the Memel region). The main government contract to manufacture and supply these new de-nazified WW2 1957 official decorations went to the world famous German firm Steinhauer & Lueck, Luedenscheid Germany. Knights Crosses, Iron Crosses, Wound Badges, Tank Assault Badges etc were re-designed by Steinhauer & Lück – often with the oak-leaf spray replacing the swastika, with S&L having the sole patent rights to all WW2 1957 German decorations. S&L did not have the whole monopoly on medal making, other famous firms such as Deschler & Sohn, BH Maher and Juncker also manufactured these new German decorations. Lüdenscheid is situated between the cities Dortmund and Bonn. It was here that one of the youngest medal firms was founded in 1889 by August Steinhauer and Gustav Adolf Lück. The first production began in a cellar, the customer base continued to increase. A property was bought at 51 Hochstrasse which is still home for this famous company today. During WW2 Steinhauer & Lück produced medals and badges, like the famous Knights Cross and many other types of medals and badges. In 1957 this company was awarded the contract to produce all the newly re-designed legal WW2 1957 de-nazified decorations, plus the contract to manufacture all of Germany’s official decorations including Germany’s highest order the Bundesverdienstkreuz. Only a very limited number of original WW2 1957 medals are still produced, mainly Iron Crosses, German Cross Gold & Silver & Wound Badges and are considered 100% genuine by the German Government. HISTORY OF THE AWARD. Luftwaffe Fighter Clasp – To recognize the type and number of operational flights undertaken by aircrew and certain other Luftwaffe personnel, the FRONTFLUGSPANGE (literally “Front Flight Clasp”) was progressively introduced from January 1941. Commonly referred to by collectors as Flight Bars, Operational Flying Clasps or Squadron Clasps, these badges consist of a central device encircled by a wreath of laurel leaves set between two’wings’ of oak leaves. In most designs, the ubiquitous swastika is set at the base of the wreath. Clasps measure around 7.5cm x 2.5cm (3″ x 1″). The central device distinguishes between the types of flight undertaken. The color of the clasp, with the exception of the center which is usually blackened, identifies the number of flights achieved. Thus, the BRONZE clasp was awarded for 20 flights SILVER clasp was awarded for 60 flights GOLD clasp was awarded for 100 flights. Note that a flight was considered “operational” if the enemy was engaged or enemy airspace was penetrated by a given distance. If the number of hours in the air was exceeded by a given amount a single’sortie’ could also be counted as more than one flight towards an award of the Operational Flying Clasp. The central device of the upward pointing winged arrow denotes the award for Short Range Day Fighter. The winged arrow pointing downwards indicates Long Range Day Fighter and, prior to April 1944, Air to Ground Support. The reverse of this clasp highlights the typical construction, pin and catch to be found on these awards. The wide tapered pin is almost always encountered, albeit with some variation in shape and colouring – late war clasps by “RS&S” are an exception with a needle pin and ball hinge. Note the absence of a maker’s mark on the above example…. The majority of clasps, particularly those of early manufacture, were unmarked. When encountered, some of the makers to be found are: G. K, F & B. BSW (within a cloverleaf), M. Juncker and Imme & Sohn. Clasps were presented in a small, dark blue, rectangular case with the designation of the award imprinted on the lid in gold. These cases measure around 9 x 4 x 1.5cm. Note the materials commonly used to line the case: white silk for the lid and cream colored flocking to form the base. This item is in the category “Collectables\Militaria\World War II (1939-1945)\Medals/ Ribbons”. The seller is “a..anderson” and is located in this country: GB. This item can be shipped worldwide.
405th Fighter Group United States Army Air Forces Air Base Wing Plaque. The 405th Fighter Group /405th Bombardment Group, fighter bomber unit of the United States Army Air Force in World War II? I couldn’t find this insignia? Measures 3 ½” inches tall x 6″ inches round. The square frame with bronze medallion rotates on the circle stand. Please look at all photos and use zoom feature. We w elcome and encourage you to explore our store because. You may discover more things that you will like. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Militaria\WW II (1939-45)\Original Period Items\United States\Medals & Ribbons”. The seller is “chirco96″ and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped to United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Denmark, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Estonia, Australia, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, Slovenia, Japan, China, Sweden, Korea, South, Indonesia, Taiwan, South Africa, Thailand, Belgium, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Bahamas, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Croatia, Republic of, Malaysia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts-Nevis, Saint Lucia, Montserrat, Turks and Caicos Islands, Barbados, Bangladesh, Bermuda, Brunei Darussalam, Bolivia, Egypt, French Guiana, Guernsey, Gibraltar, Guadeloupe, Iceland, Jersey, Jordan, Cambodia, Cayman Islands, Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Luxembourg, Monaco, Macau, Martinique, Maldives, Nicaragua, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Reunion, Uruguay.
Original German p ost WW2 / 1957 pattern Luftwaffe Night Fighter Squadron Clasp in Gold, IN VERY NICE CONDITION, PERFECTLY WORKING PIN DEVICE, ST&L (STEINHAUER UND LUECK) MADE EARLY EXAMPLE WITH SOLID HINGEBLOCK, A REALLY GOOD PIECE. FEW FACTS ABOUT THE 1957 PATTERN AWARDS. In 1957 the West German government authorised replacement Iron Crosses with an Oak Leaf Cluster in place of the swastika, similar to the Iron Crosses of 1813, 1870, and 1914, which could be worn by World War II Iron Cross recipients. The 1957 law also authorised de-Nazified versions of most other World War II-era decorations (except those specifically associated with Nazi Party organizations, such as SS Long Service medals, or with the expansion of the German Reich, such as the medals for the annexation of Austria, the Sudetenland, and the Memel region). The main government contract to manufacture and supply these new de-nazified WW2 1957 official decorations went to the world famous German firm Steinhauer & Lueck, Luedenscheid Germany. Knights Crosses, Iron Crosses, Wound Badges, Tank Assault Badges etc were re-designed by Steinhauer & Lück – often with the oak-leaf spray replacing the swastika, with S&L having the sole patent rights to all WW2 1957 German decorations. S&L did not have the whole monopoly on medal making, other famous firms such as Deschler & Sohn, BH Maher and Juncker also manufactured these new German decorations. Lüdenscheid is situated between the cities Dortmund and Bonn. It was here that one of the youngest medal firms was founded in 1889 by August Steinhauer and Gustav Adolf Lück. The first production began in a cellar, the customer base continued to increase. A property was bought at 51 Hochstrasse which is still home for this famous company today. During WW2 Steinhauer & Lück produced medals and badges, like the famous Knights Cross and many other types of medals and badges. In 1957 this company was awarded the contract to produce all the newly re-designed legal WW2 1957 de-nazified decorations, plus the contract to manufacture all of Germany’s official decorations including Germany’s highest order the Bundesverdienstkreuz. Only a very limited number of original WW2 1957 medals are still produced, mainly Iron Crosses, German Cross Gold & Silver & Wound Badges and are considered 100% genuine by the German Government. HISTORY OF THE AWARD. The Night Fighter Clasps – To recognize the type and number of operational flights undertaken by aircrew and certain other Luftwaffe personnel, the FRONTFLUGSPANGE (literally “Front Flight Clasp”) was progressively introduced from January 1941. Commonly referred to by collectors as Flight Bars, Operational Flying Clasps or Squadron Clasps, these badges consist of a central device encircled by a wreath of laurel leaves set between two’wings’ of oak leaves. Clasps measure around 7.5cm x 2.5cm (3″ x 1″). The central device distinguishes between the types of flight undertaken. The colour of the clasp, with the exception of the center which is usually blackened, identifies the number of flights achieved. Thus, the BRONZE clasp was awarded for 20 flights SILVER clasp was awarded for 60 flights GOLD clasp was awarded for 100 flights. Note that a flight was considered “operational” if the enemy was engaged or enemy airspace was penetrated by a given distance. If the number of hours in the air was exceeded by a given amount a single’sortie’ could also be counted as more than one flight towards an award of the Operational Flying Clasp. The Night Fighter Clasps measure around 7.5cm x 2.5cm (3″ x 1″). The central device of the upward pointing winged arrow denotes the award for Short Range Day Fighter. The winged arrow pointing downwards indicates Long Range Day Fighter and, prior to April 1944, Air to Ground Support. The reverse of this clasp highlights the typical construction, pin and catch to be found on these awards. This item is in the category “Collectables\Militaria\World War II (1939-1945)\Medals/ Ribbons”. The seller is “a..anderson” and is located in this country: GB. This item can be shipped worldwide.
Offered is a Royal Flying Corps medal group to Squadron Commander Robertson, who was a pre-war Territorial serving as a Lance Corporal in the Gloucestershire Regiment, who then was commissioned and served in France as an infantry officer before transferring to the R. C as an observer in a B. 2c (Battle of the Somme). He qualified as a pilot and was involved in 3 months of intense fighting flying a Spad S. The group consists of Air Force Cross, G. British War and Victory Medals, impressed named Capt. Territorial Force War Medal 1914-19, impressed named 2. Defence Medal 1939-45, un named as issued. Comes with extensive research and copies of: M. C, medal rolls, Army service papers, R. Service papers, London Gazettes, photographs, 9 & 19 Squadron logs, medical reports and obituary. London Gazette 1 January 1919. Note there were only 679 A. Squadron Leader Brian Kyte David Robertson. Was born on 25/5/1897 at Horfield, Bristol, he was educated at Sexeys School Bruton and enlisted 4/5/1914 with the 6th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment, he was an apprentice Engineer at the time. The Battalion was embodied 5/8/14 but since he had just turned 17 he was retained in England with the 2/6. Attended and passed a Machine Gun Course Colchester 7/6/1915. Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on 10/9/1915 to the 3/6 Gloucestershire Regiment which was a home service training Battalion. His obituary states that he served in France from February 1916 as a Machine Gun Officer with the Worcester Regiment however it is more probable that it was with the Gloucesters. After 3 months he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps and qualified as an Observer on 16 May 1916 and was sent to No. C which was equipped with the B. He attended and passed another Machine Gun Course 12 29 June 1916. Robertson flew reconnaissance and artillery spotting missions during the Battle of the Somme in 1916, assisting XIII Corps on the first day. After 10 months service in France as an observer, he attended pilots school and qualified as a Pilot 16/5/1917 (Certificate 7405) being posted to No 19 Squadron R. The squadron was equipped with single seater Spad S. VIIs based at Poperinghe. The Squadron Record Book records his activities 31/8/ – 12/11/1917, including an engagement over Tourcoing on 11 September when in a battle with two enemy aircraft which they drove off to the east, returning’considerably shot about’. Just three days later they were dived upon by a formation of enemy, one of which they managed to attack and drive down damaged. Similar hot action continued, when Robertson may have accounted for an enemy aircraft over Ghulevelt on 18 October. Promoted to Captain 19/10/1917. Is not sleeping well, occasional nightmares about crashes. Has not lost confidence in his ability to fly but finds himself worrying the machine may fall to pieces, is affected by seeing numerous crashes at the Aerodrome. He remained in England becoming a flying instructor training such notables as the future Air Commodore D’Arcy Greig, who mentions Robertson in his book My Golden Flying Years. My Flight Commander, Flight Lieutenant B. Robertson, assumed responsibility for me as his pupil. Brian was a fine example of what a good instructor should be. An excellent Pilot, calm and precise, and possessing a more than ample fund of patience, while his manner at all times would be cheerful and full of confidence. He was awarded the Air Force Cross in the New Years honours list 1/1/1919, for his instructing activities. Squadron (Fighters) and was demobilised 31/3/1919. He was granted a Commission in the R. F 1/11/1921 and served in Shaibah, Iraq 1925 27 (No 84 Squadron), Staff HQ Coastal Area 1929, promoted Squadron leader 1/2/1932 retiring from the R. F 24/10/1936 on ill health. During WW2 Robertson served with the National Fire Service, Edinburgh District (awarded Defence Medal) and died on the 3/12/1961 in Edinburgh. All international items/combined orders will be sent via registered post international, via Australia Post, without exception. We list militaria and coins weekly. We provide quality mounted medals, badges and historical research. We can mount your miniature or full size medals, ribbon bars or supply replacement ribbons or badges. We can also conduct military research on your behalf and value cherished objects with a current market or insured value. We run two specialist military auctions per year. Items are accurately described & photographed. Additional costs for this standard service will be added for this service based on publicly available Australia Post rates. Please note, these items are located and will be posted from Australia. We appreciate fair feedback from you once you receive the item. We aim to give you, the customer our best customer service. The item “WW1 RFC & RAF AFC FIGHTER PILOT MEDAL GROUP SQUADRON LEADER ROBERTSON 19 SQN” is in sale since Friday, June 4, 2021. This item is in the category “Collectables\Militaria\1914 – 1918 (WWI)”. The seller is “jb_military_antiques_14″ and is located in 2/135 Russell St, Morley, Perth, WA. This item can be shipped worldwide.
A SCARCE BRITISH WAR AND VICTORY MEDALS TO AN 8 VICTORY SOPWITH CAMEL NAVAL ACE WITH 208 SQUADRON ONE OF THE HIGHEST SCORING FIGHTER SQUADRONS OF WW1 HAVING 298 VICTORIES WITH 26 ACES FLYING WITH THE SQUADRON DURING THE WAR. BRITISH WAR AND VICTORY MEDALS LIEUT. Rupert Cyril D´Arcy Gifford, born 21. October 1898 from Brierly Hill, Staffordshire. Joined the RNAS August 1917, posted to 208 Squadron 22. Obituary tells how he flew 850 hours during WW1, most of them in Sopwith Camels and Snipes and was shot down at least once Thankfully over British lines! After the War he became a Doctor and died October 1991, Sutton in. 6 Victories listed in Above the Trenches. 2 further victories in Combat reports, copies of which are included, as are unusually copies of combat reports for all his Victories. I say unusually as many fighter squadron combat reports were stolen some years ago and frustratingly when researching a pilot your lucky if you can find more than a handful. Gifford only entitled to BWM/Victory and not even a MID! Surprisingly common for later War Aces. Formed as the famous Naval 8 squadron, when the. Was formed on 1 April 1918, the unit was renumbered 208 Squadron RAF. For disbandment on 7 November 1919 at. During the war, the squadron was one of the top British fighter squadron claiming 298 victories. Twenty-five aces had served in the squadron during this time, including the likes of Flt Commander R A Little (47 victories), Captain W L Jordan (39 victories) and Flt Commander C D Booker (29 Victories). GIFFORDS AERIAL VICTORY LIST. NE of La Bassée. 1 mi S of Estaires. 2 mi NE of Brancourt. Condition NEF, rim of BWM cleaned a little as was so dark, letters could not be easily seen. With copy combat reports, Service record, MIC, copy Aero certificate photo, copy of his obituary with picture of him in his Sopwith Camel and other research. A very good pair of medals to an Ace in a crack fighter squadron. SEE MY OTHER AUCTIONS FOR MORE WW1 AND GALLANTRY AWARDS. If you have any questions and require more images please get in touch and. This will generally be a Wednesday or Thursday, so please bear with me if it takes a few more days to get sent. KEYWORDS: MEDAL MEDALS BOER KILLED WOUNDED BRIGADE AWARD CAPTAIN COMMANDER LIEUTENANT OFFICER KILLED WOUNDED 1815 AUSTRALIAN NEW ZEALAND ANZAC AIF GALLANTRY SOMME YPRES GALLIPOLI LIGHT HORSE INFANTRY BATTALION WW1 WW2 GALLANTRY. The item “WW1 SOPWITH CAMEL RNAS AND RAF FIGHTER ACE MEDAL GROUP” is in sale since Saturday, June 13, 2020. This item is in the category “Collectables\Militaria\World War I (1914-1918)\Medals/ Ribbons”. The seller is “albatrosj1″ and is located in SCOTLAND. This item can be shipped worldwide.
A SCARCE BRITISH WAR AND VICTORY MEDALS TO AN 8 VICTORY SOPWITH CAMEL NAVAL ACE WITH 208 SQUADRON ONE OF THE HIGHEST SCORING FIGHTER SQUADRONS OF WW1 HAVING 298 VICTORIES WITH 26 ACES FLYING WITH THE SQUADRON DURING THE WAR. BRITISH WAR AND VICTORY MEDALS LIEUT. Rupert Cyril D´Arcy Gifford, born 21. October 1898 from Brierly Hill, Staffordshire. Joined the RNAS August 1917, posted to 208 Squadron 22. Obituary tells how he flew 850 hours during WW1, most of them in Sopwith Camels and Snipes and was shot down at least once Thankfully over British lines! After the War he became a Doctor and died October 1991, Sutton in. 6 Victories listed in Above the Trenches. 2 further victories in Combat reports. Copies of which are included, as are unusually copies of combat reports for all his Victories. I say unusually as many fighter squadron combat reports were stolen some years ago and frustratingly when researching a pilot your lucky if you can find more than a handful. Gifford only entitled to BWM/Victory and not even a MID! Surprisingly common for later War Aces. Formed as the famous Naval 8 squadron, when the. Was formed on 1 April 1918, the unit was renumbered 208 Squadron RAF. For disbandment on 7 November 1919 at. During the war, the squadron was one of the top British fighter squadron claiming 298 victories. Twenty-five aces had served in the squadron during this time, including the likes of Flt Commander R A Little (47 victories), Captain W L Jordan (39 victories) and Flt Commander C D Booker (29 Victories). GIFFORDS AERIAL VICTORY LIST. NE of La Bassée. 1 mi S of Estaires. 2 mi NE of Brancourt. Condition NEF, rim of BWM cleaned a little as was so dark, letters could not be easily seen. With copy combat reports, Service record, MIC, copy Aero certificate photo, copy of his obituary with picture of him in his Sopwith Camel and other research. A very good pair of medals to an Ace in a crack fighter squadron. PLEASE NOTE; If you have any questions and require more images please get in touch. SEE MY OTHER AUCTIONS FOR SIMILAR ITEMS. KEYWORDS: MEDAL MEDALS BOER KILLED WOUNDED BRIGADE AWARD CAPTAIN COMMANDER LIEUTENANT OFFICER KILLED WOUNDED 1815 AUSTRALIAN NEW ZEALAND ANZAC AIF GALLANTRY SOMME YPRES GALLIPOLI LIGHT HORSE INFANTRY BATTALION. The item “WW1 MEDAL PAIR TO SOPWITH CAMEL FIGHTER PILOT ACE” is in sale since Friday, January 3, 2020. This item is in the category “Collectables\Militaria\World War I (1914-1918)\Medals/ Ribbons”. The seller is “albatrosj1″ and is located in SCOTLAND. This item can be shipped worldwide.
CAPTAIN JACQUES SWAAB 22. AERO SQUADRON DSC, 2X SILVER STARS AND PURPLE HEART. RECOMMENDED AND APPROVED FOR THE AWARD OF THE MEDAL OF HONOR. Of American pilots serving exclusively with the US squadrons, Jaques Swaab was the 3. Highest scoring Ace of WW1. The two higher scoring were the Rickenbacker with 26, flying from March 1918 and the remarkable Frank Luke with 18 from July 1918. Swaab first saw action in September 1918 and spent several weeks in hospital after being wounded, had 10 confirmed and a further up to 7 unconfirmed in just 65 hours in the air! One of, if not the highest of any Nation for hours flown to victories. The first 3 scored on his first flight over the front during an epic encounter in which he was seriously wounded, passed out and crashed his aircraft.. Of all American pilots serving during WW1, Swaab was joint 25. Highest scoring Ace, however the vast majority of the others had served with the RFC or French Air service for a good time (some years), many of these never serving in a US squadron. Distinguished Service Cross, numbered 6256 to Swaab. Silver Star with Oak leaf cluster for second Award, named to Swaab. Purple Heart, named to Swaab. Victory medal with 3 clasps and 10 silver stars one for each victory. New York State Conspicuous Service Cross, no2055. New York State WWI Service Medal. Incredibly rare Aero Club of America Award, only given to Aces. Ribbon bars for above medals. Swaabs WW1 flying licence. Swaabs Pilot badge, unit patch and collar badges from uniform. Aero Squadron enamel badge, only a handful of these extent. One of the photos in the group shows Swaab wearing his. World War Birds International badge and certificate (no 204). Another hugely rare piece. This was an association of Wartime pilots from all Nations who met for reunions badge shows both Allied and German insignia. Framed Wound Award document named to Swaab, dated September 10, 1918 with facsimile signature of Woodrow Wilson. Fantastic framed studio portrait in uniform wearing the ribbon of the DSC and 22nd Pursuit Squadron pin. Large photo of Swaab in civilian clothes with a lapel pin of the DSC. Framed group photo of Mayor of New York presenting Swaab with a model of a Spad. Large framed photo of Swaabs Spad in which he shot down most of his victories. Several original photos of Swaab in uniform, with fellow pilots and next to aircraft. 82 negatives of 22. Aero Squadron pilots, Spads, Aces, Swaab etc, many of which have been modern printed and put into a folder. Copy of The Dawn Patrol, original copy with dedication from Swaabs daughter of course Swaab was technical consultant on the film! Huge amount of supporting documentation and research in a large ring binder; recommendations for Medal of Honor and other awards, combat reports, history of 22. Aero Squadron, unit rosters etc etc. Swaabs commander, Ray Brooks, recommended him for the Medal of Honor for Swaabs first flight, as well as subsequent actions flown while Swaab was still recovering from his wounds. Brooks remembered Swaab as being an excellent chap to be with, a well-bred fellow of good background, well taken care of by the ladies in the USA. He was suave and well-educated; Jewish, but not very religious. A millionaires son, when he was 18, Swaab and his fathers chauffeur built a plane in his garage. They flipped a coin to see who would try it first and Swaab won, crashing the contraption into a wall. After installing a second seat they both managed to get the rebuilt plane into the air, and got good enough to perform simple manoeuvres for local onlookers. It was later, at the School of Aeronautics at Ohio State that Swaab learned he and the chauffeur had been doing things with our airplane that were supposed to be impossible. Swaab volunteered to fly in June, 1917, two months after war was declared and after initial training and a short stint as a flying instructor, he was assigned to the 22nd Aero on 27. August 1918, where he and a lot of other novice pilots would have to do or die in very quick order. After getting in a few practice hops, Swaab made his first combat flight on September 8, 1918. Why should I flatter myself by saying that I was frightened? N Even those words do not adequately describe my condition. Led by Brooks who had only five trips over the front under his belt, the patrol of newbieswas ordered by Capt. Bridgman to Stick togetherlearn your planesand be sure to keep inside your own lines. Swaab would be seeing the front for the first time and was to familiarize himself with landmarks. He recounted what happened during his first combat missionHe had been flying at the rear of a six-plane formation when the leader [Brooks had already turned back with engine trouble] dove away almost vertically, followed in turn by each of the others. Swaab held back, convinced that his comrades were bent on suicide. Up to that point, he had been flying Nieuports, which had all borne placards instructing their pilots never to dive at more than 120 mph, and nobody had told him that Spad 13s were much sturdier and would hold together in a vertical dive. Swaab prudently took his time coming down through a cloud, expecting to find all of his flight strewn in pieces over the countryside. Instead, he saw none of them at all. Climbing back above the clouds, Swaab flew west for 20 minutes. When next he descended through the clouds, he spotted an airfield below. Eureka, Im saved, thought Swaab. As he was coming in to land, another aircraft took off and started climbing up at him. Fortunately, I turned in, Swaab recounted, or that crazy nut would have collided with me. It was during his turn that Swaab saw a large gray cross on the tail of what he now recognized as a Fokker DVII. Unaware that a strong northeast wind had been blowing all day, he had made almost no progress in the opposite direction and had thus ended up over a German aerodrome… Swaab recovered from his shock in time to pull around on the equally surprised German and give him a burst of machine-gun fire; the Fokker went down in flames. With one of his two guns jammed and being fired on from the ground by machine gun and archie, Swaab pulled away into the sun, only to find himself being dived on by a 100 enemy planes. Actually, there were only 10, he explained but I saw each one 10 times! Swaab fired at the leader and saw his antagonist go spinning down. Breaking clear, Swaab again headed west for the nearest hole in the clouds. Just before he reached it, another Fokker got on his tail. Swaab recounted what ensued in his diary. The next instant I saw a group of about 10 Fokkers had enticed me into a game of ring-around-the-rosy, in which the object seemed to be for each one in turn to practice aerial gunnery on me! Fortune permitted me to get closer and closer to a cloudwhen one chap who worked for Buffalo Bill shooting pennies off a blind mans head mistook me for his old partnerand missedgently touching my scalp with three bullets. The cloud had come closer to me and I headed for it when an unfortunate Boche got in the way of some American-made bullets and burst into flames. I made the cloudvrilled a billion metres three times, passed away into semi-consciousness and next found myself pinned under my plane. And French was being spoken! The people argued about my nationality, forgetting that the planes occupant needed assistance until they were awakened by my saying, `Lever ici [lift here]! I knew that phrase perfectlya year of seeing it on every machine had impressed it into my mind. Between them, US units on the ground and formation of Breguet 14B2s of 96. Aero Squadron returning from a bombing mission had witnessed the entire fight and confirmed his three victories. Swaab was given up for lost by his squadron mates for two days. Even after he rejoined them, it was decided that, behind the cavalier humor, he was badly shaken up by the experience. He was therefore sent south to the mineral spa at Vittel to rest. He was soon joined there by Ray Brooks, who was in a similar condition after an epic dogfight of his ownBrooks and Swaab soon came to the conclusion that returning to the front was preferable to the depressing sight of the physical and mental casualties who arrived at Vittel by the trainfull each day. Both agreed to cut short their leave and rejoin the 22nd, which by that time had completed its operations over the St. Mihiel sector and was now flying over the even tougher Argonne Forest. Brooks Medal of Honor statement describes Swaab as still suffering from his wounds when he made his next kills. Swaab quipped, My lip (which he had badly split) was in such great shape that I was sure I would be back in the chewing-gum business a reference to Fleer, his employer before the war. Swaab would become a double ace in little more than a month–a total of 65 hours in the air. During an interview He told how: Our average flight was an hours duration. We carried a maximum of two hours fuel in the Spad and, many times, like the French, if there was a cloud in the sky we didnt fly. If we flew two hours in the day, we considered it a long day. So even the `on days were short. During that month Swaab developed, according to Brooks, into a marksman and a virtuoso pilot. You can read descriptions of Swaabs subsequent actions in the affidavits collected for Brooks Medal of Honor application on his behalf. They are now part of the Brooks Collection at the Archives of the National Air and Space Museum (I have copies or all). His recommendation and affidavits is several pages long so for times sake I will just add the Citations for Awards actually received. Swaab’s DSC came through in 1920. The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Service) Jacques M. Swaab, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 22d Aero Squadron, 2d Pursuit Group, U. Army Air Service, A. Near Montfaucon, France, 28 September 1918, and in the region of Champignuelle, 27 October 1918. On September 28 Lieutenant Swaab, although himself pursued by two enemy planes, perceiving one of his comrades in distress and in danger of being shot down, dived upon the enemy plane which was directly behind that of his comrade and shot the enemy plane out of control, forcing it to withdraw. His prompt act in going to the assistance of his comrade enabled the latter to escape. On October 27 Lieutenant Swaab and another member of his group engaged in combat with seven enemy planes. In this encounter, although outnumbered, Lieutenant Swaab continued in his attack and succeeded in shooting down an enemy D. Silver Star Citation 1. By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 Bul. 1918, First Lieutenant (Air Service) Jacques M. Swaab, United States Army Air Service, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. First Lieutenant Swaab distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot with the 22d Aero Squadron, 2d Pursuit Group, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Metz, France, 8 September 1918, while on an aerial patrol over enemy lines. Silver Star Citation 2. First Lieutenant Swaab distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot with the 22d Aero Squadron, 2d Pursuit Group, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Thiaucourt, France, 31 October 1918, while leading a patrol. Notice there is no reference to Swaab’s exploit’s on September 8, 1918!!! But the citation cherry picks two of the list of dates offered by Brooks in his MOH application which did include the September 8. Among his other victories, On 23 October Swaab shot down in flames a Fokker D. VII that had just destroyed an American balloon. Evidence suggests his opponent was German 26 Victory Ace Max Näther. Of Jasta 62, who amazingly survived the terrifying ordeal. Blowing up an aircraft 2000 meters from the ground and almost being upset in the process was the experience of Swaab on 31. October 1918, his last Official victory. I was flying last man in our patrol and had just headed north east, when looking below and behind I saw an LVG heading in a westerly direction over Trieourcourt, I signalled to the pilot in front and seeing no other planes, I dived on the LVG.. It turned and headed for its own lines and climbed very rapidly. I climbed from 2000 to 3300 meters, following it and reserving my fire until within 100 feet behind and below it. We were then at between two to four miles from Verdun. Lieutenant Swaab then opened fire letting go about 260 rounds which seemed to go right through the fuselage close to the pilot and observer. When there was an explosion Said Swaab The LVG flying into pieces. The explosion shook my plane, throwing it up and momentarily out of control as I was but a short distance away. It had a dark green and black fuselage, wings, tail, white lines making cross on tail. As Commander of B Flight, 22. Aero Squadron, Swaab finished the War with 10 confirmed and up to another 7 unconfirmed Victories. He was highest scoring pilot of 22. Pursuit Group to which 22. Victories 4, 8 and 9 were shared with another pilot. He was technical advisor on Howard Hawks 1930 film, the original Dawn Patrol with Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. Although a lot of sites state Swaab worked on the 1938 version. He was an early member of Cross and Cockade and the main speaker at the August 17, 1962 meeting. He died a year later of heart trouble and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, his squadron mate Ray Brooks present along with other notables including General Carl Spaatz. Swaab flew a Spad XIII with the bore the name Mayer II benneth the cockpit in honour of his Father and a star for each victory placed round the units comet insignia. In the large files I have of Swaab, are copies of the recommendation by Brooks for the Congressional Medal of Honor on April 1, these are signed as approved by the board but nothing further seems to have come of actually receiving the Award. Rickenbacker himself had to lobby well into the 1920s to have his Awarded, perhaps Swaab just didnt feel it worth perusing. On another note, there are surprising similarities between Swaab and the group I also have to German fighter pilot Jakob Wolff ; both of course Jewish, both very rich and neither needed to serve and both were in the cigarette/cigar industry! PLEASE NOTE; If you have any questions and require more images please get in touch or contact me directly at jagermedals and I will send you what you need. SEE MY OTHER AUCTIONS FOR SIMILAR ITEMS. Keywords; Aircraft plane pilot jasta photos aviation medal flieger flugzeug album photoalbum fabric insignia observer rfc rnas royal flying corps raf royal air force naval air service seeflieger marineflieger medal. The item “SUPERB WW1 AMERICAN JEWISH FIGHTER ACE AVIATION MEDAL BADGE & DOCUMENTS PILOT” is in sale since Friday, May 24, 2019. This item is in the category “Collectables\Militaria\World War I (1914-1918)\Medals/ Ribbons”. The seller is “albatrosj1″ and is located in SCOTLAND. This item can be shipped worldwide.
After establishing a fearsome reputation operating from land bases with US Marine Corps pilots in the South Pacific, a new landing approach and special training finally allowed the high performance Chance Vought F4U Corsair to be deployed from Navy carriers. The Corsair soon replaced dive bombers, torpedo planes, and Hellcats, as it could accurately deliver the same load as a dive bomber while retaining its deadly air to air capabilities. In January 1945, the Navy began establishing fighter bomber (VBF) squadrons flying the Corsair off fleet carriers. VBF-1, nicknamed the “Royal Flushers”, was assigned to USS Bennington (CV-20) after she completed repairs in the Pacific in mid-June 1945. Bennington could then better protect herself and the fleet with the air wing while wielding a powerful offensive strike package. VBF-1 flew strikes against Japanese warships and installations on the home islands until the surrender was signed in August 1945. This US Navy WW2 VBF-1 “ROYAL FLUSHERS” F4U CORSAIR FIGHTER PILOT ID’D AIR MEDAL RACK is in very good condition, with a small loose stitch on the front American Campaign drape, some fading to each front drape, mismatched clutches, and with some light overall spot patina and age wear evident (ALL pictured). Otherwise, the rack is in fine shape, with no other damage. Most interestingly, it consists of the Air Medal with the original “gold star” to denote a second award, American Campaign, Asiatic Pacific Campaign, WW2 Victory, and Navy Occupation Service with “ASIA” clasp, sports elegant stitching and fully intact pin posts at the upper back, and is attributed to Ens. Ensign (later Commander) Harold O. “Bo” Bosacki served as an F4U Corsair fighter pilot with VBF-1 during the squadron’s entire deployment aboard the Bennington from June to August 1945, twice earning the Air Medal for number of combat missions flown. On August 13th, 1945 Ensign Bosacki’s aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire during a strike on Central Honshu, but his rugged bird brought him home safely. A fine example of a very rare, original US Navy WW2 VBF-1 “ROYAL FLUSHERS” F4U CORSAIR FIGHTER PILOT ID’D AIR MEDAL RACK. The item “US Navy WW2 VBF-1 ROYAL FLUSHERS F4U CORSAIR FIGHTER PILOT ID’D AIR MEDAL RACK” is in sale since Monday, March 18, 2019. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Militaria\WW II (1939-45)\Original Period Items\United States\Medals & Ribbons”. The seller is “abramsantiques” and is located in Claremont, California. This item can be shipped worldwide.
A WW1 RNAS/RAF AIR FORCE CROSS GROUP TO A SEAPLANE PILOT WHO FLEW SOPWITH BABYS OFF THE SOUTHERN. DURING ONE PATROL IN 1917, ATTACKING A GERMAN U-BOAT. R E DEAN R. Ronald Eric Dean, a rubber planet, was born 25. September 1893, served O. C 1911-13 and then the Malay States Vol Rifles 1913-14. January 1915 he enlisted into the Royal Naval Air Service as a Petty Officer Mechanic and in April 1915 was posted to serve in the RNAS Armoured Cars branch in. Accepted for flying training in July 1915, he completed his pilot training and was recommended to fly seaplanes. He was posted as a Flight Sub-Lieutenant to RNAS Seaplane Stations Felixstowe on 19. October 1916 and Newlyn 22. At Newlyn Seaplane Station, which was 2 miles from Penzance on the tip of Cornwall, Dean would have been tasked with the arduous and dangerous work of flying anti submarine patrols over the sea with little chance of survival if their was a problem with his aircraft. As he was flying Sopwith Baby single seat fighters, it must have been lonely work also. Promoted Flight Lieutenant from April 1917, on August 16. 1917, flying Baby N1023, Lieutenant Dean had a rare U Boat contact off Lands End and dived to attack. According to his records. Dropped 65Lb bomb on submerged submarine. Explosion viewed in the water, after which pilot waited in the vicinity for over half an hour but the submarine was not sighted again. He had suffered effects from Malaria, presumably infected whilst in. But the main reason for his grounding seems to have been due to the prolonged periods he had served at high altitudes on anti submarine patrols. At Westgate, on the South East tip of England, Dean again would have again served primarily on reconnaissance and anti submarine patrols, though the proximity to the Belgium coast meant that patrols from this station were often intercepted by German seaplanes from Zeebrugge. April 1918 was again sent to Haslar hospital for treatment with a recommendation dated a month later that he was fit for flying but not at high altitudes and not in the North for 4 weeks. May 1918, Dean was attached to No4 Group, serving on the Staff of the Vice admiral Northern Patrol and directed to be instructed in flying Large Americas (Curtis Flying Boats). No further details are known of Deans service but he seems to have stayed in service beyond the end of WW1 as the RAF List for 1922 notes he was serving as a Flying Officer on the seaplane carrier HMS Pegasus. Therefore his full service from April 1918 in the RAF will be with the RAF records Office. Dean was Gazetted to be Awarded the Air Force Cross on the 1st January 1919. Only 678 of which were awarded for the First World War. Initially Dean seems to have flown Short 184 seaplanes but by at least April 1917 was flying single seater Sopwith Babys. Notes in his service papers say he was training to flying large. S at some point after May 1918. A very good AFC with all RNAS named medals. Includes copies of enlistment/RNAS service papers, Operations Report, copies of Gazettes, RN Aircraft Serials (detailing activity in all RN Aircraft), RAF Lists etc but as mentioned above, really needs some in depth research for service post April 1918, which may well give an idea of why he was awarded the AFC. Condition NEF Ex DNW 2000. PLEASE NOTE; If you have any questions and require more images please get in touch. SEE MY OTHER AUCTIONS FOR SIMILAR ITEMS. The item “WW1 RNAS & RAF PILOT AIR FORCE CROSS MEDAL GROUP SOPWITH SEAPLANE FIGHTER” is in sale since Friday, July 20, 2018. This item is in the category “Collectables\Militaria\World War I (1914-1918)\Medals/ Ribbons”. The seller is “albatrosj1″ and is located in SCOTLAND. This item can be shipped worldwide.
Offered today is an original set of Luftwaffe clasps that came from a retired German immigrant along with a set of his Luftschutz bund documents. These pieces are unmarked but sport amazing detail with fully function clasps. I will be listing other items from this estate so please keep a lookout! Thank you and let me know if you have any questions. The item “WW1 German Luftwaffe Fighter and Recon Clasp, Medal, Badge, Pin, Lot” is in sale since Friday, June 1, 2018. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Militaria\WW I (1914-18)\Original Period Items\Germany\Medals, Pins & Ribbons”. The seller is “militariasales2017″ and is located in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. This item can be shipped worldwide.
