Original Items. One-of-a-Kind Group. This is an outstanding uniform set identified to 1st Lieutenant Richard F. Hurd, a Fighter Ace with 6 confirmed enemy aircraft destroyed, who received the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Spitfire Fighter Pilot of the 308th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, 12th Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Action during World War II. The uniform set is a British-made P-37 Battledress with extremely rare “United States” shoulder loops. These are known to have been worn by some airmen early in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. Both the jacket and trousers bear Hurd’s laundry number, H-0918. Of note, Hurd was the LAST and HIGHEST scoring Spitfire ACE. 

The uniform jacket has a 12th Tactical Command patch on the left shoulder, United States shoulder loops on each shoulder, and a pin-on set of bullion pilot wings over the left breast pocket. The interior of the uniform has a plethora of stamped number markings including Hurd’s laundry number, and the original tag is intact, showing the Size as 10, with a 1941 contract date. There is also a broad arrow stamp with a date of 6/41 for June 1941. The two hook and loop collar closures are intact.

The trousers are original to the jacket with the same stenciled laundry number along the waistband. Also included is an officer’s shirt with heavy wear, but no name we could find. It was likely Hurd’s, but we can’t say for sure. 

The uniform set came with a printout of Hurd’s DFC citations. They read:

SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Richard F. Hurd (ASN: 0-670918), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Spitfire Fighter Pilot of the 308th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, TWELFTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Action during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Richard F. Hurd (ASN: 0-670918), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Spitfire Fighter Pilot of the 308th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, TWELFTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Action during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

Richard F. Hurd earned his pilot’s wings in January 1943, and was credited with 6 enemy aircraft shot down. From a March 23rd, 1944 newspaper article:

“Allied Headquarters in Naples has credited Lieutenant Richard F. Hurd of 37 Main Street with shooting down two of four Messerschmitt 109s which were attempting to attack three Piper cub observation planes over Cassino, Italy on Tuesday according to an Associated Press dispatch. Lieutenant Hurd’s latest victories gives him a total of six enemy planes destroyed - and the title of “ace”.”

After his tour overseas, he became CO of a B24 training squadron at Westover AAF in Massachusetts. He was on leave, home in Vermont, when his visit to a meeting of CAP cadets was interrupted by news that one of his bombers was missing and presumed down in the vicinity of nearby Camel's Hump mountain. The AAF immediately mounted a Search and Rescue effort, but Dick was certain they were searching the wrong area, and they declined his assistance, so he organized the cadets and led them up the other side of the mountain, finding the wreck with the tail gunner still alive.

This is an outstanding uniform group, with a great identification. There is much more research to be done! Ready for display.