{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-distinguished-flying-cross-recipient-samuel-t-hooks-jr-crafters-fighting-knife-constructed-from-imported-civil-war-sword-with-leather-sheath","title":"Original U.S. WWII Distinguished Flying Cross Recipient Samuel T. Hooks Jr. Crafters Fighting Knife Constructed From Imported Civil War Sword with Leather Sheath","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. One-of-a-Kind. This fantastic Knife Crafters fighting knife belonged to Lieutenant Samuel Troy Hooks Jr. who served with the 20th Air Force on the Marianas Islands and on the Japanese Mainland during World War II. Hooks was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on October 10th, 1945 for his work aboard the B-29 Flying Fortress. He was also awarded the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters and the Pacific theater ribbon with several campaign stars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe knife is in fantastic condition, with a near perfect blade that is unmarked. There are no maker markings on the knife or scabbard. The back of the sheath is marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eS.T. HOOKS JR.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eO-823585\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis identifies the knife to Lieutenant Hooks. Samuel Troy Hooks Jr. was born on April 17th, 1921 in Goldsboro, North Carolina. He first enlisted on October 8th, 1942 in the Air Corps, eventually training as a Pilot in the B-29 Flying Fortress. He was sent overseas and took part in bombing raids against the Japanese at the Marianas Islands and on the Japanese Mainland. He returned home and during the Korean War was recalled into service as an instructor, but tragically passed away on November 4th, 1955 at the young age of 34.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKnives of this pattern were produced from old sword blades, with three knives typically being manufactured from a single sword blade. The handles were made of hollow steel and covered in leather. Most of the scabbards are of the same basic pattern, with a unique, three-piece construction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, this is a very attractive World War II era fighting knife that is highly desirable. No collection of World War II militaria is complete without at least a small selection of fighting knives. These knives were valued at $700 to $800 each 10 years ago, and rougher ones fetch prices in that range today and often higher, especially at auction. This fine Knife Crafters fighting knife is offered at the near decade-old price, which is a good value and worth every penny.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComes ready for further research and display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApprox. Dimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 6 3\/8”\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: Clip Point\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 12 1\/4”\u003cbr\u003eCrossguard: 2 1\/4”\u003cbr\u003eScabbard length: 14 ⅞\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42306655649861,"sku":"ONSV24KHE039","price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV24KHE039__01.jpg?v=1737780926","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-distinguished-flying-cross-recipient-samuel-t-hooks-jr-crafters-fighting-knife-constructed-from-imported-civil-war-sword-with-leather-sheath","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}