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LOT 3302
Identified World War II USAAF 67th Troop
Carrier Squadron A-2 Flight Jacket - This
identified World War II USAAF A-2 jacket (size 42)
was manufactured by Bronco, worn by veteran
Paul Seaman and features a large 67th Troop
Carrier Squadron embroidered patch sewn to
left chest, U.S. Army Pacific Command (USARPAC)
embroidered patch on right shoulder, 5th Air
Force embroidered patch on left shoulder,
honorable discharge patch on right chest, and
Talon zipper. The jacket lining is hand marked
“Paul S. SEAMAN” over an illegible number over
the large stamped initials “P.S.” Comes with a USAAF bullion patch, two enlisted technical
specialist, engineering sleeve patches, a 5th AF embroidered patch, and large painted on
felt 90th Bomb Group “Jolly Rogers” patch (8 3⁄4 inches in diameter). The back of the “Jolly
Rogers” patch is hand marked in ink “90th/Bomb Group/’Jolly Rogers’/by/P.S Seaman.”
The 67th Troop Carrier squadron operated in the Pacific Theater as part of the 5th Air
Force staring in August 1943. Operating Douglas C-47 Skytrains and later Douglas C-46 Commandos, the squadron carried out a number of combat resupply missions, parachute
drops, troop carrier missions, and other aerial missions in support of Allied operations in
New Guinea, Dutch East Indies, Philippine Campaign and the Battle of Okinawa. At war’s
end the squadron participated in the occupation of Japan. From 1942 to 1945, Staff Sergeant Paul S. Seaman (1923-2021) served in the USAAF with the 67th Troop Carrier Squadron as an
aerial photographer.
CONDITION: Good, with a few tears to the lining, some wear to the cuffs and waist band and supple leather with most of the stitching remaining. Patches are fine. A great tribute to the unsung heroes of the Pacific Theater airlift operations, this A-2 flight jacket would be a welcome addition to any WWII collection.
Provenance: The Putnam Green/Sycamore Collection.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 3303
Grouping of Property from a Pilot in the 62nd Fighter Squadron in World War II, Including Medals and a Rare Leather Unit Patch - Established in January of 1941 as the 62nd Pursuit Squadron and redesignated a fighter squadron in 1942, the 62nd started its war service as an air
defense unit in the American Northeast before heading to England in 1943. Operating
the P-47 Thunderbolt, the 62nd spent the war operating out of Royal Air Force stations,
providing fighter cover for B-17 and B-24 bombers on deep penetration bombing
missions, sweeping areas of heavy Luftwaffe activity to provoke them into battle, and
similar activity. The 62nd’s parent unit, the 56 Fighter Group (aka Zemke’s Wolf Pack for
its commander, Colonel Hubert “Hub” Zemke), received the Distinguished Unit Citation
for action during “The Big Week”, aka Operation Argument, a concerted effort to cripple
the Luftwaffe, engaging them heavily in the air while also striking at their supporting
industry, culminating in some of the first air raids on Berlin to force the Luftwaffe into
decisive battle. With the invasion of Normandy in 1944, the 56th began splitting its
time between bomber escort and ground attack, both interdicting German back-line
logistics and providing close support for the advancing Allies. At the close of the war in Europe, the 56th would be credited with 665.5 kills, producing 39 aces and 3 “aces in a day”, with the 62nd Squadron responsible for 219.5 of those kills and 16
of those aces. The contents of this lot are the property of Wiley Hendrix “Hink” Merrill, Junior, an officer and decorated aviator with the 62nd Fighter Squadron. Born in 1920 in Lubbock, Texas, Merrill was a 1941 graduate of Texas A&M with a mechanical engineering degree when he joined the Army Air Force, serving with the 62nd in Europe. Returning to civilian life in Texas after the war, he was the co-owner of a trucking company and manager of automobile dealerships in the Irving and Dallas areas, passing on in 2004. At the center of the grouping is a shoulder patch for the 8th Air Force (the 56th’s parent organization)
and a white leather patch for the 62nd Squadron, 5 inches in diameter prominently featuring the “boxing bulldog” logo of
the squadron, with the text “Zemke’s Wolfpack” and “62nd/Fighter Sqdn.” in black. The included medals are the Silver Star,
Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Purple Heart, European/African/Middle East Campaign, American Campaign, and the
World War II Medal, with ribbons for the Distinguished Unit Citation (1 oak leaf ), Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross (1 oak
leaf), Air Medal (3 oak leaves), Purple Heart and European/African/Middle East Campaign (3 silver stars). Also present is a pair of
silver flight wings, marked “VANGUARD NY” on the rear and a silver ID bracelet bearing Merrill’s name and service number.
CONDITION: Very good overall. The patch shows stitching holes around the border, with some light cracking and fading of the paint. The medals and 8th Air Force patch are all very good, with some wear on the ribbons, and the wings and bracelet show a mixed aged patina.
Provenance: The Putnam Green/Sycamore Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
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