Spring Military Aviation and Militaria Auction
Lot 327:
Description
This military archive documents the service of Colonel John Skinner, Jr., a United States Marine Corps aviator during World War II and the Korean War. Col. Skinner served with VMSB – 232 during the Guadalcanal campaign and was with the first group of pilots to participate. His first DFC was awarded for destroyong a Japanese destroyer. He subsequently earned two addtional DFC and several Air Medals.The collection includes a USMC officer service green wool tunic featuring bronze Eagle, Globe, and Anchor lapel insignia and interior embroidery reading J.S. JR. A brown leather private-purchase flight jacket that shows in several photos onlibe during his time in Korea, features silver-toned Colonel rank insignia on the collar and a large felt squadron patch for VMF-311 (Marine Fighter Squadron 311). The patch depicts a cartoon cat riding a rocket. The headgear consists of a white-topped Bancroft brand service cap with a gold bullion decorated visor and a gold-toned EGA device, containing an interior label handwritten to LT. COL. JOHN SKINNER USMC.The archive features an M1859 Marine Corps Officer sword with a Mameluke-style hilt, ivory-colored grips, and a brass crossguard. The blade is etched with the name John Skinner, Jr. in Gothic script and is accompanied by a nickel-plated scabbard with brass fittings. A mounted medal bar includes the Distinguished Flying Cross, Case Navy Air Medal with one gold star in Navy style case, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three bronze service stars, World War II Victory Medal, Korean Service Medal with two bronze service stars, and a United Nations Korea Medal with a KOREA bar. Additional awards include a boxed Air Medal and gold-toned US Navy/Marine Corps Aviator Wings.Documentation includes a 1942 typed Distinguished Flying Cross citation for heroism in the Solomon Islands signed by Rear Admiral T.S. Wilkinson, a 1958 presentation letter from Jacob Reed’s Sons regarding the gift of the sword, a 1948 pilot logbook, and various newspaper clippings and photographs. Personal equipment includes a black leather document bag gold-stamped J.S., JR. U.S.M.C. and a leather Sam Browne belt with shoulder strap. Also includes his Post WWII Logbooks and full post-war records file. A very comprehensive collection.
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