Spring Military Aviation and Militaria Auction
Lot 79:
Description
This collection documents the World War II service of Anthony F. DeSantis within the 13th Air Force, 5th Bombardment Group (H) Bomber Barons, 31st Bombardment Squadron. The primary component is an extensive photographic record of B-24 Liberator aircraft in the Pacific Theater, specifically featuring a comprehensive series of nose art from the unit. Identified aircraft include Squirrely Shirley, Thumper, Blue J, Mask-a-Raider, Lonesome, Maid in the USA, Red-Hot Riden-Hood II, Liberty Belle, Cherokee Strip, Snow Job, Snow Job II, Maiden Montana, Red Headed Woman, The Big Sleep, Dragon Lady, Trouble Maker, My Ideal, Yankee Doodle Dandy, Calamity Jane, Jap-Happy, and Little Joe. The collection includes an original embroidered 13th Air Force shoulder sleeve insignia featuring the number 13 above a Hap Arnold star with stylized wings on a circular dark blue felt background. Official documents include a typed Army Air Forces Certificate of Appreciation for War Service bearing the facsimile signature of General H.H. Arnold, and Equator crossing certificates for the Ancient Order of the Deep and Trusty Shellback dated September 6, 1943, while aboard the U.S.S. Wharton (AP-7). Also present is a Victory Issue of the unit newsletter, the Bomber Baronet, dated August 15, 1945, featuring a map of the Japanese home islands. Geographic locations noted in handwritten captions include Guadalcanal, Koli Field, and Morotai. The collection is supplemented by personal ephemera, including newspaper clippings from Trevorton, Pennsylvania, and post-war family photographs.
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