December 7th Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 39:
Description
A rare and original WWII U.S. Army Air Forces squadron patch for the 531st Bomb Squadron, 380th Bomb Group, featuring Donald Duck wielding a bomb while riding a cloud, hand-embroidered in silk thread on a blue silk background with a leather edge border. This vivid, combat-theaterÐmade insignia was produced during the unitÕs wartime service in the Southwest Pacific, likely in Australia or New Guinea, where local artisans crafted patches for American aircrews using silk and bullion threads.
The 531st Bomb Squadron, part of the famed ÒFlying CircusÓ 380th Bomb Group, operated B-24 Liberators on long-range missions over the Dutch East Indies, Borneo, and the Philippines. Donald Duck, shown here charging forward with a lit bomb, was the squadronÕs official mascot and symbol of its aggressive spirit and persistence in the face of heavy combat losses.
This example remains in excellent, unrestored condition, with bright colors, strong threadwork, and the original cloth backing paper still intactÑa clear indicator of wartime origin. Minor edge wear and faint age toning are consistent with authentic WWII manufacture and storage.
A classic and highly desirable original theater-made 531st Bomb Squadron insignia, among the most recognizable of all WWII 5th Air Force unit patches.
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