KASTAUFFER Posted January 14, 2015 Share #1 Posted January 14, 2015 I have been posting a lot of "Fall of the Philippines " threads and decided to keep the theme going! On December 8, 1941 the Japanese attacked the Philippines, but what people forget is Dec 8 in the Philippines is Dec 7th in Hawaii. These 2 Purple Hearts represent the physical sacrifice one pilot made on the first day of the war. On December 8th 1941, he was assigned to the 24th Pursuit group in the Philippines and was assigned to an airfield at Zambales when the Japanese attacked. He was badly wounded in the leg and never even got to fly a single mission. He was one of the fortunate wounded soldiers to make it out of the Philippines before it fell. He was transported out of the Philippines on a ship called the SS Mactan and was transported to Australia. He later lost his leg due to his wounds. When he made it home he participated in a number of War Bond drives. I will let the following pages tell his story: There are 2 Purple Hearts. The first one is numbered and officially hand engraved. The other appears to have been engraved by a jeweler. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted January 14, 2015 Author Share #2 Posted January 14, 2015 The wing is a very heavy one made by Amcraft Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted January 14, 2015 Author Share #3 Posted January 14, 2015 Detailed description of how he was wounded Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David D Posted January 14, 2015 Share #4 Posted January 14, 2015 Great group with a lot of history. Congrats on this find -Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted January 14, 2015 Author Share #5 Posted January 14, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted January 14, 2015 Author Share #6 Posted January 14, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mach Posted January 14, 2015 Share #7 Posted January 14, 2015 Fascinating story behind the medal Kurt. I wonder why he decided to have a second medal engraved? Maybe for wear at the Bond drive? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted January 15, 2015 Author Share #8 Posted January 15, 2015 Fascinating story behind the medal Kurt. I wonder why he decided to have a second medal engraved? Maybe for wear at the Bond drive? I thought it was odd too, and not sure why he had 2 of them , both issued during the war. Makes me wonder if there are more out there! Kurt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
empireguns Posted January 15, 2015 Share #9 Posted January 15, 2015 Those groups just look better when you own them Kurt. You have the history and all the little details that really make the whole thing. You're good you!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted January 15, 2015 Author Share #10 Posted January 15, 2015 Those groups just look better when you own them Kurt. You have the history and all the little details that really make the whole thing. You're good you!!!! You are cracking me up! LOL I have you to thank for turning up this fine pair and recognizing its importance! You saved it from being split up! Kurt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katieony Posted January 15, 2015 Share #11 Posted January 15, 2015 Kurt, Another historic group...thanks for sharing! Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USdog Posted January 15, 2015 Share #12 Posted January 15, 2015 Awesome group.... OUTSTANDING RESEARCH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhcoleterracina Posted January 15, 2015 Share #13 Posted January 15, 2015 Great pair, I hadn't heard that before (regarding dates), very interesting. Glad he survived. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDK Posted January 15, 2015 Share #14 Posted January 15, 2015 Very neat and interesting group Kurt! Thanks for sharing it here. JD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doinworkinvans Posted January 15, 2015 Share #15 Posted January 15, 2015 What an early and rare group there. You seem to turn up some good finds! Looks like the soldier lost his leg eventually...but glad he was able to make it. The research really ties it all together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottplen Posted January 16, 2015 Share #16 Posted January 16, 2015 Nice ! a phila boy ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted March 15, 2015 Author Share #17 Posted March 15, 2015 Just got his award card for the Purple Heart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
decwriter Posted March 15, 2015 Share #18 Posted March 15, 2015 Awesome follow-up Kurt! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted December 7, 2015 Author Share #19 Posted December 7, 2015 BTT in rememberence of the Attack on the Philippines Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doinworkinvans Posted December 7, 2015 Share #20 Posted December 7, 2015 One of my favorite threads and groups on the forum. Just noticed the award card has his last name different than the PH's and the news papers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted December 7, 2017 Author Share #21 Posted December 7, 2017 BTT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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