Help id'ing these wings

MSgt Van · August 16, 2012, 03:41:49 PM

My cousin found these wings in his mother's house. Can y'all give me any info on these? They seem to be Army Air Corps aircrew wings, but I'm not sure. My uncle was in the Army Air Corps.

Garibaldi · August 16, 2012, 03:53:47 PM

Quote from: MSgt Van on August 16, 2012, 03:41:49 PM
My cousin found these wings in his mother's house. Can y'all give me any info on these? They seem to be Army Air Corps aircrew wings, but I'm not sure. My uncle was in the Army Air Corps.

What did he do in the AAC? That would go far in trying to explain what the wings represent. Also, there are 2 holes in either wing at the tips. Don't know what they would be for unless he gave them to someone to hang on a necklace.

Al Sayre · August 16, 2012, 04:55:41 PM

Quote from: MSgt Van on August 16, 2012, 03:41:49 PM
My cousin found these wings in his mother's house. Can y'all give me any info on these? They seem to be Army Air Corps aircrew wings, but I'm not sure. My uncle was in the Army Air Corps.

US Army Air Crew: http://www.ww2wings.com/wings/usaaf/usaafaircrew.shtml

MSgt Van · August 16, 2012, 04:57:51 PM

Quote from: Garibaldi on August 16, 2012, 03:53:47 PM
Quote from: MSgt Van on August 16, 2012, 03:41:49 PM
My cousin found these wings in his mother's house. Can y'all give me any info on these? They seem to be Army Air Corps aircrew wings, but I'm not sure. My uncle was in the Army Air Corps.

What did he do in the AAC? That would go far in trying to explain what the wings represent. Also, there are 2 holes in either wing at the tips. Don't know what they would be for unless he gave them to someone to hang on a necklace.

Don't know what he did. Not sure his son knows. Your're right about the holes. I assume my aunt had it on a necklace or something. I looks like that usaaf site has them listed as aircrew. He was enlisted; I'll have to find out what he did.

MSgt Van · August 16, 2012, 05:20:13 PM

Found out he was a medic. Not on flying status as far as I know.

Pylon · August 16, 2012, 05:20:56 PM

Quote from: MSgt Van on August 16, 2012, 04:57:51 PM
Don't know what he did. Not sure his son knows. Your're right about the holes. I assume my aunt had it on a necklace or something. I looks like that usaaf site has them listed as aircrew. He was enlisted; I'll have to find out what he did.

You could try a FOIA request on his service records to the National Archives and see what they have in his OMPF. Might list more information about his occupation in the AAF, awards earned, etc.

Desert Dawg · August 16, 2012, 11:09:38 PM

The wings are US Army Air Corps crewmember wings. It was common practice in the 41 to 45 time period to make a sweetheart bracelet out of your wings, thus the holes. In my other life I am a docent at the 390th Bomb Group (H) Memorial Museum. we have several sets like it on display.

Garibaldi · August 17, 2012, 12:16:21 AM

I wish I had my great-uncle's AAC stuff. I used to have his overcoat and his 50-mission hat but I think my dad has them now. I don't recall if the coat had wings or not. Everyone on that side of my family has passed so...

flyboy53 · August 17, 2012, 11:48:54 AM

Quote from: MSgt Van on August 16, 2012, 03:41:49 PM
My cousin found these wings in his mother's house. Can y'all give me any info on these? They seem to be Army Air Corps aircrew wings, but I'm not sure. My uncle was in the Army Air Corps.

Those are AAF/USAF aircrew wings that have been converted into and ID bracelet, which used to be really popluar with Air Force types. You need to find out from your aunt who the wings belonged to and what he did.

I would then take it to a jeweler and see what it would take to be restored.

Then put it away -- especially if it belonged to a family member.