{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-9th-air-force-airborne-troop-carrier-communications-specialist-uniform-jacket-amp-shirt-with-aircrew-wings-and-bullion-patch","title":"Original U.S. WWII 9th Air Force Airborne Troop Carrier Communications Specialist Uniform Jacket \u0026amp; Shirt with Aircrew Wings and Bullion Patch","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent original U.S. WWII enlisted uniform grouping worn by a Sergeant and Communications Specialist associated with the Ninth Air Force and Airborne Troop Carrier operations in the European Theater. The grouping consists of the service jacket and matching uniform shirt, both displaying Aircrew insignia, while the jacket carries an impressive assortment of unit, rank, specialist, overseas service, and campaign insignia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll U.S. tactical air support units in Great Britain were consolidated under the Ninth Air Force on October 16, 1943, commanded by Major General Lewis H. Brereton. At the same time, IX Troop Carrier Command was activated, having been constituted by USAAF Headquarters five days earlier. Its headquarters was initially established at RAF Cottesmore, taking control of a provisional troop carrier headquarters created by the Eighth Air Force in September. IX Troop Carrier Command later moved to Grantham and, on September 20, 1944, transferred to Ascot, Berkshire, its final headquarters location in Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTroop Carrier units played a vital role in Allied airborne operations, transporting paratroopers, towing gliders, moving supplies, and evacuating casualties. Communications personnel were essential members of these organizations, maintaining the radio and communications systems required to coordinate aircraft, crews, and ground operations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe service jacket bears an Airborne Troop Carrier patch on the left shoulder and a particularly attractive bullion Ninth Air Force patch on the right shoulder, with a separate \u003cstrong\u003eAIRBORNE\u003c\/strong\u003e rocker positioned above it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSergeant chevrons are present on both sleeves. The lower left sleeve carries three overseas service bars and two service stripes, while the right cuff bears a Communications Specialist insignia identifying the wearer’s technical specialty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe collar retains both U.S. and Army Air Forces collar discs. Above the right breast pocket is the Honorable Discharge Emblem, commonly known as the “Ruptured Duck.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbove the left breast pocket is a three-place ribbon bar representing:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood Conduct Medal\u003cbr\u003eEuropean-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four campaign stars\u003cbr\u003eAmerican Campaign Medal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePositioned above the ribbons is a set of Sterling marked Aircrew wings. A WWII Victory Medal ribbon was also found inside one of the jacket pockets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe jacket is size marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e36L\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe accompanying uniform shirt provides particularly strong evidence that the two pieces were worn together. A set of cloth Aircrew wings is sewn directly above the left breast pocket, corresponding with the Sterling Aircrew wings worn on the service jacket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe shirt is size marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e14 1\/2 - 34\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTogether, the Ninth Air Force bullion insignia, Airborne Troop Carrier patch, communications specialist badge, Aircrew wings, overseas bars, campaign ribbons, and corresponding insignia on the shirt make this a particularly appealing WWII Army Air Forces uniform grouping. The combination reflects the service of an enlisted aircrew and communications specialist connected with the troop carrier forces that supported Allied airborne operations in the European Theater.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximate Measurements:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJacket\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollar to shoulder: 9 1\/2 inches\u003cbr\u003eShoulder to sleeve: 26 inches\u003cbr\u003eShoulder to shoulder: 15 inches\u003cbr\u003eChest width: 18 inches\u003cbr\u003eWaist: 16 inches\u003cbr\u003eHip: 21 inches\u003cbr\u003eFront length: 32 inches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShirt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollar to shoulder: 9 1\/2 inches\u003cbr\u003eShoulder to sleeve: 24 inches\u003cbr\u003eShoulder to shoulder: 16 1\/2 inches\u003cbr\u003eChest width: 21 inches\u003cbr\u003eWaist: 19 1\/2 inches\u003cbr\u003eHip: 19 inches\u003cbr\u003eFront length: 32 inches\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44715481727045,"sku":"ONSV26BDF012","price":525.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV26BDF012.jpg?v=1772838476","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-9th-air-force-airborne-troop-carrier-communications-specialist-uniform-jacket-amp-shirt-with-aircrew-wings-and-bullion-patch","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}