{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-436th-troop-carrier-group-dog-tag-insignia-group-with-patches-di-newspaper-photo-sergeant-harry-t-roberts","title":"Original U.S. WWII 436th Troop Carrier Group Dog Tag \u0026 Insignia Group with Patches, DI, Newspaper Photo - Sergeant Harry T. Roberts","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Items: One-of-a-Kind Group. This is an excellent original WWII grouping belonging to \u003cstrong\u003eSergeant Harry T. Roberts\u003c\/strong\u003e, who served with the \u003cstrong\u003e436th Troop Carrier Group\u003c\/strong\u003e, a C-47 Skytrain transport unit assigned to the U.S. Ninth Air Force in the European Theater.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 436th Troop Carrier Group played an important role in Allied airborne operations in Western Europe. Flying primarily the Douglas C-47 Skytrain, the group transported paratroopers, towed gliders, and delivered supplies during some of the most important airborne operations of WWII.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe group earned a \u003cstrong\u003eDistinguished Unit Citation\u003c\/strong\u003e for its first combat missions on June 6-7, 1944 during the Normandy invasion. On later missions, the 436th carried troops and supplies and participated in glider operations in Southern France and the Netherlands. In March 1945, it supported the Allied airborne crossing of the Rhine during the final advance into Germany. Following the end of combat, the group assisted with the evacuation of patients and prisoners of war before being inactivated in November 1945.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes this grouping especially interesting is that we were able to locate a \u003cstrong\u003e1943 newspaper photograph of Harry T. Roberts\u003c\/strong\u003e, at which time he was serving as a Corporal. The accompanying newspaper material also mentions Roberts in connection with the 436th Troop Carrier Group and the unit's Distinguished Unit Citation for its Normandy missions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grouping includes Roberts' original dog tags, which show very heavy wear from use. They identify his next of kin as residing in \u003cstrong\u003eWoodbury, New Jersey\u003c\/strong\u003e, providing an additional personal connection to the veteran.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso included is a colorful patch depicting a soldier riding a bald eagle. This insignia is purportedly associated with the \u003cstrong\u003e436th Troop Carrier Group\u003c\/strong\u003e and is an especially appealing piece within the grouping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA standard \u003cstrong\u003eNinth Air Force shoulder patch\u003c\/strong\u003e is also present, appropriate for the group's European Theater assignment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe group further includes an \u003cstrong\u003eAirborne Troop Carrier patch\u003c\/strong\u003e accompanied by a separate black \u003cstrong\u003eAIRBORNE\u003c\/strong\u003e rocker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA matched pair of Sergeant chevrons is present, along with a service stripe and \u003cstrong\u003efive overseas service bars\u003c\/strong\u003e, reflecting substantial overseas service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso included is a U.S. collar disc and an aviation-themed belt buckle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf particular interest is a pair of \u003cstrong\u003e436th Troop Carrier Group Distinctive Insignia\u003c\/strong\u003e, or DI, manufactured by \u003cstrong\u003eGEMSCo.\u003c\/strong\u003e These help firmly reinforce the 436th association of the grouping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ribbon group includes a \u003cstrong\u003ePresidential Unit Citation\u003c\/strong\u003e ribbon in a frame, a European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign ribbon with \u003cstrong\u003ethree campaign stars\u003c\/strong\u003e, a Good Conduct ribbon, and a WWII Victory ribbon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaken together, the insignia, dog tags, unit DI, service stripes, ribbons, and newspaper photograph form a very cohesive grouping to a named Ninth Air Force Troop Carrier veteran.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe historical role of Troop Carrier units is often overshadowed by the airborne divisions they carried, but their missions were exceptionally demanding. C-47 crews and support personnel were responsible for delivering paratroopers and gliders into heavily defended areas, frequently at low altitude, at night, and under intense anti-aircraft fire. During Normandy, Southern France, Operation Market Garden, and the Rhine crossing, Troop Carrier units were essential to the success of U.S. airborne operations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis grouping is a particularly appealing example because it combines identifiable personal material with insignia tied to a major combat Troop Carrier unit and period documentation connecting Roberts directly to the 436th.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGroup Includes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoberts' heavily worn dog tags with next of kin in Woodbury, New Jersey\u003cbr\u003ePurported 436th Troop Carrier Group soldier-on-eagle patch\u003cbr\u003eNinth Air Force patch\u003cbr\u003eAirborne Troop Carrier patch with separate black AIRBORNE rocker\u003cbr\u003ePair of Sergeant chevrons\u003cbr\u003eService stripe\u003cbr\u003eU.S. collar disc\u003cbr\u003eFive overseas service bars\u003cbr\u003eAviation belt buckle\u003cbr\u003ePair of GEMSCo. 436th Troop Carrier Group DI\u003cbr\u003ePresidential Unit Citation ribbon in frame\u003cbr\u003eEuropean-African-Middle Eastern Campaign ribbon with three campaign stars\u003cbr\u003eGood Conduct ribbon\u003cbr\u003eWWII Victory ribbon\u003cbr\u003e1943 newspaper photograph of Harry T. Roberts\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44842124607557,"sku":"ONSV26MFD037","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV26MFD037__01.jpg?v=1775149546","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-436th-troop-carrier-group-dog-tag-insignia-group-with-patches-di-newspaper-photo-sergeant-harry-t-roberts","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}