Jump to content

98th BG Grouping Direct from Veteran Estate


Sparty On
 Share

Recommended Posts

I acquired this 98th BG grouping direct from the veterans estate sale yesterday. The veteran, Milton H. Erdmann, is still living but under the care ,unfortunately, of his family due to deteriorating health. The 98th BG is well known for its August 1, 1943 raid of the Ploesti oil refineries. Mr. Erdmann did not partake in this raid as he did not begin participating in bombing missions with the 344th BS in Italy until towards the end of 1944 and continuing through the end of the war. He was also a 1943 graduate of my alma mater, Michigan State University, and later became a professor of crop and soil sciences at MSU.

 

Included in this group are his flight jacket with some great patches (no painting on the back), A-11A flight gloves, leather flight trousers and air medal with two oak leaves. Also included are 3 pairs of wings, various pins, 1 dog tag, and PUC, hospital slippers and a wrist compass. Both canteen covers and canteen are dated 1942. Interesting there is a Gold Star Mothers pin with the initials HHL and an unusual ring with what appears to be a bomber on the face. Oh and almost forgot to mention an unopened pack of Chiclets chewing gum.

post-104736-0-84194500-1444501449.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

nice jacket great grouping. looks like it is possibly a re-issued A-2 or possible Vet moved his name tag. either way nice grouping and best way to find them straight from the vet.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

nice jacket great grouping. looks like it is possibly a re-issued A-2 or possible Vet moved his name tag. either way nice grouping and best way to find them straight from the vet.

 

Thanks! I'm guessing he had to remove is name tag to make room for the BG patch.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Nice Grouping. Is the Air Medal engraved? Thanks for sharing.

Unfortunately, no. I have yet to find an engraved air medal with a group.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I love 98th BG material. I have a number of groups from the 98th from early in the war, but have never found an A-2. This one is outstanding. Nice find!

 

Kurt

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I love 98th BG material. I have a number of groups from the 98th from early in the war, but have never found an A-2. This one is outstanding. Nice find!

 

Kurt

Thanks Kurt! This is my first A-2. I've actually found quite alot of information about the 98th online. I was hoping to get lucky and find a crew photo but haven't yet.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Terrific grouping...the A2 looks to be incredible condition!

Ian, this jacket is in fantastic condition. The leather is still very soft, no rips or tears to the liner either. The zipper is fully functional as well. No mention to how they found it but apparently it must have been stored in ideal conditions to prevent damage. Possibly hanging in a closet all these years versus being stuffed in a trunk?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Was a great find I wish i wasnt so far away from the sale. I am envious of you. good going to get it all and keep it together. Terrific A-2

Link to comment
Share on other sites

doinworkinvans

I always see estate items, but yet I never see anything like this listed. Its also funny how no one ever shares secrets of where to look..... :rolleyes:

 

Thats an awesome group!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...