Original Items: One of a Kind Set. This is a lovely framed glider pilot grouping, which looks to have been sent to a collector by WWII Glider Pilot Thomas K McGrath. It measures 11" x 17", and contains a data plate from a Glider, a rare set of glider pilot wings, some collar insignia, and there is also another original Glider data plate attached to the front of the glass. There is also a framed WWII period photograph inside, which has the following inscription on the lower left:

To a great
aviation
collector
with pride!
Tom McGrath

Based on some preliminary internet research, Thomas K McGrath was heavily involved in the National WWII Glider Pilots Association, and at one time was the "Wing Commander" of the veteran's organization. It seems that McGrath passed away in 2005, and we have unfortunately not been able to find out much information regarding his service during WWII.

A wonderful research opportunity with some great research potential!

Glider Pilot wings were awarded to soldiers who completed training as pilots of military gliders (MOS 1026). The wings were issued initially during the Second World War. The final class of Glider Pilots ever to be trained received their wings in January 1945 at South Plains Army Airfield, near Lubbock, Texas. These wings should not be confused with the Glider Badge which was created in 1944 to recognize glider-borne ground troops (mostly Infantry, but also various supporting arms) of U.S. Airborne Divisions, who rode into combat as passengers.

The success of German glider-borne forces early in World War II catapulted the Army Air Forces into a glider program in February 1941. In December 1941, plans called for training 1,000 AAF glider pilots, but eventually about 5,500 received their wings. Most Glider Pilots came from the enlisted ranks — all were volunteers. Junior enlisted personnel trained in the pay grade of Sergeant during training, while NCOs and above trained in-grade. Upon graduation, Sergeants and below would be promoted to Staff Sergeant, whereas those already in the grade of Staff Sergeant or higher retained their current grade. After Nov. 21, 1942, all enlisted graduates were appointed as Flight Officers — equal to the then existing rank of Warrant Officer Junior Grade (WO 1) — upon completing Advanced Glider Training.

Initially, applicants for Glider Pilot training had to meet the following requirements:

-Age 18 to 35 years
-Pass AAF Class I or II flying medical examination
-Score at least 110 on the Army AGCT Test, or at least 65 on the Aviation Cadet Mental Screening Test
-Have prior flying experience meeting one or more of the following criteria:
-Hold a currently effective civilian airman certificate in the grade of private pilot or higher, or
-Held a lapsed airman certificate, provided that such certificate did not lapse prior to 1 January 1941, or Completed 200 or more previous glider flights, or Previously eliminated from military or naval pilot training, provided at least 50 hours had been logged as principal pilot (solo or performing duties of first-pilot under supervision)and/or as student pilot on military or naval aircraft.

Effective 12 June 1942, individuals with no previous flying experience were also accepted into glider training. Individuals meeting the experience criteria listed above were classified as Class A Students, and all others as Class B Students. Several critical changes were introduced into the training program during 1942-43 (as described in the next two paragraphs), however ground training included practical instruction in basic infantry skills in addition to the normal aviation ground school subjects throughout.