RedStateRanger Posted August 6, 2015 Share #1 Posted August 6, 2015 I'm considering making an offer on a complete "pinks and greens" uniform and ribbons of a named USAAF Glider Pilot who took a glider into Normandy on D Day. The package may also include a cut out emblem from the glider he landed that day. The artifact had been recovered by a french farmer after D Day and was presented to the pilot and his son on a return visit to Normandy in eary 2000. I believe the uniform is complete, in excellent or very good condition. I knew the pilot back in the 1970's. Any help on the market value of such a uniform and artifact would be appreciated. Thanks RSR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted August 6, 2015 Share #2 Posted August 6, 2015 Sounds neat, but we need to know more info on the insignia to make a good estimate. Just the wing alone, depending on type and maker could make a $200-$300 swing on the group. Can you get photos? Look forward to seeing it!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedStateRanger Posted August 6, 2015 Author Share #3 Posted August 6, 2015 Thanks. I'm working on getting picts and more details, and will post them shortly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedStateRanger Posted August 19, 2015 Author Share #4 Posted August 19, 2015 Ref the Normandy Invasion Glider Pilot Uniforms: Attached are the picts of uniform, some equipment, and personal items. I understand there are three footlockers of materials, records, photos and other memorabilia left by this named Glider Pilot. His C-47 tow plane was shot down with the glider still attached, breaking the tow rope. The glider landed in tact 20 miles away from the LZ that was to have been at St Mere-Eglise. The picture of the star is the actual emblem cut from the glider by a french farmer, and presented to the pilot in 2003 while visiting France. The silk maps include the A, B, C, D, and more. The small package includes pictures and some German marks. One of the foot lockers also contains the chunk of tow rope and attachment hook that was on the glider when it landed. Would be interested to hear back what you think this is worth, either in pieces or as a grouping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doinworkinvans Posted August 19, 2015 Share #5 Posted August 19, 2015 A LOT! I dont even know if you can put a value on an actual piece of tow-rope and star cut from a glider in France, plus all the bells and whistles....better have your pocket book out. Unless the guy has no idea what he has...then I would feel guilty. I dont even feel comfortabe trying to give a price. I feel some items you have mentioned, at least to me, are priceless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BROBS Posted August 19, 2015 Share #6 Posted August 19, 2015 I'd say well over $2k It's honestly hard to put a value on stuff like this when there isn't much like it out there to compare. I'm probably low on value. -Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted August 19, 2015 Share #7 Posted August 19, 2015 I've got to side with Brian on this one...probably something in the $2K vicinity, just as a SWAG without knowing all the details of the contents. It looks like one heck of a group!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedStateRanger Posted August 20, 2015 Author Share #8 Posted August 20, 2015 Thanks for the feedback. When I think of the overall grouping, the awesome story behind it, plus the fact I was able to meet this veteran thirty years ago... I would be willing to pay much more. I'm now working on getting a look at the rest of the grouping footlockers which also include a Bomber jacket, an Ike jacket, and God only knows what else. Will keep you posted. If you think I should share with other forums, please advise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doinworkinvans Posted August 20, 2015 Share #9 Posted August 20, 2015 Share all you will with us - I know there will be many on here in awe of a collection of this magnitude! Would you mind if I edited the title to include something about a glider pilot....it might attract more views and opinions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedStateRanger Posted August 20, 2015 Author Share #10 Posted August 20, 2015 Please feel free to edit and share more widely. As I get more picts and information, I'll post immediately. Will also prepare more close ups to provide more detail in near future. Thanks again, RSR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doinworkinvans Posted August 20, 2015 Share #11 Posted August 20, 2015 OK- reworked the title and moved to groupings section...... Hopefully it'll get some more looks and opinions but you seriously have yourself a one-of-a-kind item here. With lots of priceless items tat are hard to attach value to....Looks very, very complete. Can't wait to see more Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonesy1275 Posted August 20, 2015 Share #12 Posted August 20, 2015 Do you know which squadron/group he was in as I may have some records which could help? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyler Posted August 20, 2015 Share #13 Posted August 20, 2015 Looks like a fantastic group. What is the colored bar under the 9th AF patch signifying? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doinworkinvans Posted August 20, 2015 Share #14 Posted August 20, 2015 Looks like a fantastic group. What is the colored bar under the 9th AF patch signifying? Was wondering that myself! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDK Posted August 20, 2015 Share #15 Posted August 20, 2015 Very nice group! One most WW2 aviation collectors would love to have. The cut out star from the glider is the big wildcard. That could fetch a crazy price on its own. I would say the $2,000 estimates are good for what is shown in the photos above, but I would add on top for any additional items. JD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedStateRanger Posted August 20, 2015 Author Share #16 Posted August 20, 2015 Thanks. I'm researching the colored bar under the patch and have asked for more details wrt unit of assignment, airbase in UK, etc. Notice he received the Air Medal and 3 OLCs. Am also researching to learn how they were earned. This veteran flew in the US following Normandy, in prep for invasion of Japan. BTW, in the materials I've seen the personal note written to his friend, Paul Tibbets, thanking him for quickly ending the Pacific War. Will keep posting/updating as I see and learn more history from the pilot's various family members. Naturally, they are spread across several States (and countries). RSR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedStateRanger Posted August 20, 2015 Author Share #17 Posted August 20, 2015 Do you know which squadron/group he was in as I may have some records which could help? Thanks. Still researching unit, airfield, mission details. Do you know if only certain airbases in UK were used for D Day Glider ops? I've seen some historical overhead picts showing hundreds of gliders and the shipping crates spread over many acres, but have no idea where those were taken. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonesy1275 Posted August 20, 2015 Share #18 Posted August 20, 2015 Seven Troop Carrier Groups at seven different airfields participated in the glider missions on D-Day and D+1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonesy1275 Posted August 20, 2015 Share #19 Posted August 20, 2015 The air medal plus three OLC would have been possibly for:- Normandy Southern France Holland Varsity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedStateRanger Posted August 20, 2015 Author Share #20 Posted August 20, 2015 The air medal plus three OLC would have been possibly for:- Normandy Southern France Holland Varsity THIS JUST IN: Right you are. I just received the obit from 2009. "He served as a member of the 84th Squadron, 437th Troop Carrier Group. He participated in behind-the-lines glider commando operations during the invasions of Normandy (Operation Chicago), southern France (Operation Dragoon), The Netherlands (Opera- tion Market Garden) and the German Rhineland (Operation Varsity). His first air medal was for leading his crew of four to safety after having landed some 20 miles behind German lines." Whew! Still researching what airfield he used for the Normandy Mission. An air medal hardly seems recognition enough for flying and surviving four glider missions is such operations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doinworkinvans Posted August 20, 2015 Share #21 Posted August 20, 2015 Wow - AMAZING! You know have a group with even more history! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flytiger Posted August 20, 2015 Share #22 Posted August 20, 2015 2k min. I have a not ID'd GP uniform coat and cap I paid 900 for 10 years ago. If you get it and decide to move it on I would be happy to make a above market offer. Ret. Army Helicopter pilot with a fondness for GP material!!! Great group you lucky man! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonesy1275 Posted August 20, 2015 Share #23 Posted August 20, 2015 The 437th TCG was stationed only 18 miles away from at Ramsbury Airfield. I have a lot of good material about the group. PM me and we'll see what we can dig up regarding his D-Day mission. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leatherwringer Posted August 21, 2015 Share #24 Posted August 21, 2015 What is the colored bar under the 9th AF patch signifying? me too! subscribed to see what comes to light Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devincu Posted August 21, 2015 Share #25 Posted August 21, 2015 WOW...Amazing grouping is an understatement here! Just Wow! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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