KASTAUFFER Posted February 27, 2016 Share #1 Posted February 27, 2016 This is another SOS purchase I made this year. I really like the fact the medals are bar mounted with a named GCM! Strong attribution that way. The VT-14 Squadron patch is a real hand painted beauty. The artist " Andy Sprague" was a professional cartoonist who worked on the comic strip " Smilin Jack" with Zack Mosley. It was an aviation themed comic strip from the 30's and 40's. His DFC and AM were for 2 of the pivotal actions of the war against the Japanese fleet, The Battle of the Philippine Sea and The Battle of Leyte Gulf. His pilot earned the Navy Cross and DFC. For each action the pilot received the higher award which was normal. I will let the citations speak for themselves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted February 27, 2016 Author Share #2 Posted February 27, 2016 Here is a link with the history of "Smilin Jack" that mentions Sprague: http://www.tcj.com/smilin-zack-mosleys-wilder-blue-yonder/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted February 27, 2016 Author Share #3 Posted February 27, 2016 Zack Mosley himself did design the CAP squadron patch : ( Notice the VT-14 and CAP patches both have the same submarine periscope design on them) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted February 27, 2016 Author Share #4 Posted February 27, 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted February 27, 2016 Author Share #5 Posted February 27, 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted February 27, 2016 Author Share #6 Posted February 27, 2016 The enlisted men of VT-14. They all signed the back of the photo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted February 27, 2016 Author Share #7 Posted February 27, 2016 DFC Citation The pilots Navy Cross citation for the same action Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted February 27, 2016 Author Share #8 Posted February 27, 2016 Air Medal Citation The pilots DFC citation for the same action Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
decwriter Posted February 27, 2016 Share #9 Posted February 27, 2016 Awesome Naval Aviation grouping to an Enlisted member! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted February 27, 2016 Author Share #10 Posted February 27, 2016 His Bio and service summary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted February 27, 2016 Author Share #11 Posted February 27, 2016 His remains were scattered at sea after he passed away. With each passing year we keep losing more and more WWII veterans. Soon they will all be gone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhcoleterracina Posted February 27, 2016 Share #12 Posted February 27, 2016 Great group Kurt, sounds like he was very fortunate to survive. He looks like he was seventeen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobgee Posted February 27, 2016 Share #13 Posted February 27, 2016 Fine group, Kurt. Love that VT-14 patch. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trenchbuff Posted February 27, 2016 Share #14 Posted February 27, 2016 Another fantastic slice of history! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDK Posted February 28, 2016 Share #15 Posted February 28, 2016 Neat group. Love the patch. Thanks for sharing! JD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CNY Militaria Posted February 28, 2016 Share #16 Posted February 28, 2016 Great group, the colorized photo is neat! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hink441 Posted February 28, 2016 Share #17 Posted February 28, 2016 Outstanding group. Really like this one a lot!! That Naval Aircrew wing with the Silver Star is something you don't see often!! Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
josesharontraders Posted February 29, 2016 Share #18 Posted February 29, 2016 Thank you for sharing this fantastic, magnificent and historical display. You are a lucky curator. Jose Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katieony Posted February 29, 2016 Share #19 Posted February 29, 2016 Kurt, Another great addition to your collection. Thank you for sharing his story. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumpin Jack Posted February 29, 2016 Share #20 Posted February 29, 2016 Another outstanding grouping! You have every right to be pleased. The photo with signatures is a real prize! Jack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Posted March 3, 2016 Share #21 Posted March 3, 2016 Really nice to see. Love the history behind it - to me the stories bring these artifacts to life. Thanks for sharing it with us! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted March 3, 2016 Author Share #22 Posted March 3, 2016 Thanks for the comments guys! I even found this on Friday , Kurt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SylvesterP Posted March 4, 2016 Share #23 Posted March 4, 2016 Nice group, seen it that same day at the sos. The patch and the picture are what drew me to take a closer look at the group, great pick up. 0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted October 23, 2016 Author Share #24 Posted October 23, 2016 Back to the top in remembrance of the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vietvet7071 Posted October 24, 2016 Share #25 Posted October 24, 2016 One more great grouping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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