Nice period photos (all jackets except A-2's)

[Shanghai-Mayne]

Left to Right:
Colonel Hubert "Hub " Zemke 17.75 air and 6.5 Ground victories POW 30 October 1944;
Lt. Colonel Dave Schilling Deputy Group CO, 22.5 air and 10.5 ground victories;
Lt. Colonel Francis S. "Gabby" Gabreski, 61st FS CO, 28 victories POW 20 July 1944. Won 6.5 victories during Korea war;
Captain Fred Christensen 62nd FS 21.5 victories including 6 JU-52s shot down in one mission.

 

[Saint-ex]

View attachment 125347

Two guys returning from Ciney Militaria in Belgium with their new B-7 Fivestar parkas ?

 

[Shanghai-Mayne]

 

[Shanghai-Mayne]

He was CO of I/JG11

 

[Shanghai-Mayne]

A looted and converted A2 is no long an A2

 

[Chandler]

A looted and converted A2 is no long an A2

View attachment 127499

Do you suppose he removed the spec tag so the USAAF wouldn't come after him?

 

[Shanghai-Mayne]

Do you suppose he removed the spec tag so the USAAF wouldn't come after him?

Even better, a’ This Jerry is a good fellow ‘ note from previous owner.

 

[Shanghai-Mayne]

 

[14AF SMSRet]

View attachment 128351

One of my heroes, LT COL William Yarborough, CO of the 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion during WWII. A member of the original parachute battalion in 1940, he designed the paratrooper uniform and boots, and the parachutist jump wing that is still being worn today. He was instrumental in getting the green beret accepted as headgear for the Army special forces. I had the honor to meet and interview him at Fort Bragg in the early 2000's. He was truly a legend amongst paratroopers and special forces.

 

[Blackboxr1200S]

December 1940. Radford, Virginia

 

[Chandler]

December 1940. Radford, Virginia


View attachment 128665

Some very stern looking men.

 

[Blackboxr1200S]

Some very stern looking men.

Indeed... dying breed.
I don't think they are discussing pronouns.

 

[Chandler]

I don't think they are discussing pronouns.

Mouton.

The gun powder factory opened in 1940 in Radford, if I was to guess I'd bet that could be a lead topic.

One guy might be a reporter?

Just saw the chest the one guy is carrying on his shoulder -- curious.

 

[Blackboxr1200S]

Mouton.

The gun powder factory opened in 1940 in Radford, if I was to guess I'd bet that could be a lead topic.

One guy might be a reporter?

Just saw the chest the one guy is carrying on his shoulder -- curious.

Blond or brown mouton?

You're correct... Photographed by John Felix Vachon
Original caption:"Influx of construction workers to build Hercules Powder Plant -- new arrivals in town. They've come by bus from West Radford."
Chest appears to be a carpenter toolbox (or so I read) and you don't carry a heavy box by the handle.

 

[pierregloom]

 

[pierregloom]

 

[pierregloom]

A bit obsessed with B-10 these cold days...

 

[ZuZu]

December 1940. Radford, Virginia


View attachment 128665

God the 40's were cool- we looked great!

 

[ZuZu]

That B-15's straight out of the box!

 

[Shanghai-Mayne]

He belonged to that Ju-52 crew, which was the last one get out Stalingrad.