Posted 7 years ago
skycop77
(1 item)
Found at a relic show in Brandon, MS. If anyone can identify or point me to someone who can, I would appreciate it. Felt patch. 5" - 6" across. Very cool looking.
Help us close this case. Add your knowledge below.
Comments
Want to post a comment?
Create an account or login in order to post a comment.
The insignia on the plane(?) is Army Air Corps, which was changed to Air Force in 1941. Hope this helps.
Some additional photos would be helpful in dating-- a close up of the front and back would be a good start.
scott
There was a 49th Bombardment Squadron - Army Air Corp but that'a not there emblem
https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth14664/m1/1/high_res/
I think the Air Force started in 41 but the Air Corps was still around until at least 44 my Dad was Army air Corps 1942 -1944
Air Corps (AC) remained as one of the combat arms of the Army until 1947
I stand corrected. I didn't know that the army kept the AAC as a separate entity from the Air Force until '47. Learn something every day. Thanks PP for bringing that to my attention.
Had to look up the end date just knew Dad was ACC in 44
I learn everyday mostly stuff I forget before I use hum maybe I just dream I learn
Senility has it's advantages. I just can't remember what they are.
Thanks all, for the info. AAC became USAF in '47. Not sure I have seen that coloration on USAF emblem until after that. Props tell me it was pre-Korea. I don't have the patch. Seller let me photo it. Did buy a very cool AVG brocade sewn Flying Tigers patch. Looks to be theater made. Will keep checking.
Okay, here is my take on this... The "49th" is the 49th Armored Infantry Battalion of the 8th Armored Division who fought in Europe during WW2. The airplane's design features can be described as a Grasshopper-like such as a Piper L-4 or Stinson L-5. The notable clues are 2-bladed prop, tandem seating, high-wing, single engine. There were a plethora of grasshoppers painted with the infamous "shark-mouth". This was a bit of tongue and cheek as is the obvious bow shape to the fuselage (presumably close to AA explosions) . Those FLAK shell explosions are certainly part of the liaison pilot's profession and given the looks on their faces, no real surprise. So, I surmise that the patch was locally produced for a few of these intrepid grasshopper pilots doing low level recon work for the 49th Armored Infantry while in France or Belgium.
Regards, Tom Sanders (SANDMAN OVERHAUL)