Looking for Some Help on a Recreation of My Fathers Korean War Uniform

[gparlin]

My Father was a pilot, Class of 43C, and flew combat missions in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. When I was in High School I ran across my dad's uniforms in a closet and like many kids of my era thought they were cool so I decided I'd wear them. I liked the Ike jackets so I wore both his WWII English made and Korean War jackets without the insignia on them. I think I only did this dumb thing for one year, 10th grade, but I was kid and what did I know back then. To this day I don't know what ever happened to both Ike jackets.

I have my Father's WWII uniform with all of the original insignia. I've always liked the Blue Ike jackets and I've purchased a 1951 AF Ike jacket and I need some direction as to the ribbon bar. I've searched the web and in the fast majority of the photos show the Ike uniforms with rank, US and wings only and no ribbon bars. I'm not sure if this is how they wore them while being stationed in Korea and added the ribbon bar when they came home or left them off? Any direction is greatly appreciated.

Attached is a photo of his WWII uniform for reference, on the right shoulder is an English made bullion 9th AF patch. Thank you in advance for your help, Gregg

 

[38Driver]

Guessing you were wearing the Ike's at the same time most of us as kids were wearing them. Mid to late 70s. They were quite the fad for a while. No one was thinking about the history. They just looked cool

 

Almost forgot to ask. What did Dad fly and with who? He's got quite the ribbon bar. Looks like he paid some hard dues

[patches]

Here is thee premier topic on the subject, go through it all to get the feel of the period. In it you'll see lots and lots of portraits and general/sundry photos were ribbons are worn on the AF Blue IKEs and 4 pocket coats.

 

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/5846-post-wwii-50s-60s-us-air-force-uniform-photos/

 

And for an excellent hard copy to have on your shelf for reference and enjoyment, these books here. Highly recommended, done by a member of USMF, and on the shelves of many many members, myself included.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Into-Blue-Uniforms-United-Present/dp/076433512X

 

https://www.amazon.com/Into-Blue-Uniforms-Distinctive-Informal/dp/0764343815/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0764343815&pd_rd_r=8K5BFJY61CXTKVD9NSM5&pd_rd_w=nvTIs&pd_rd_wg=GMtkh&psc=1&refRID=8K5BFJY61CXTKVD9NSM5

 

 

 

[MattS]

I was going to recommend that book too. I assume you know what his ribbon rack would have looked like after Korea, so that's the easy part. As I recall (don't quote me), putting the ribbons on the Ike elevated the uniform from 'duty uniform' to 'semi-dress' or something like that. I seem to remember it being called like Class 1B uniform without ribbons, and Class 1A with them, but I'm pulling this from memory. I have "The Air Officer's Guide, 1951 edition" at home I can reference later.

[gparlin]

38Driver: It was the late '60's for me. My Dad is an interesting study but here is the short version. He joined the AAC after two years of college at the age of 18. Originally trained as a fighter pilot but because he multi engine experience prior to the war he was assigned to the 74th TCS, 434th TCG, 9th AF, flying C-47's. He towed gliders on D-Day, participated in both Market Garden and the Bulge. After the Bulge he was transferred to a P-47 Group, 362nd FG, in a Tactical roll. Thanks for the question, Gregg

 

 

Patches: Thanks for your reply and link. That's were I started and that's why I ended up requesting some help. Thanks, Gregg

 

Matts: Now that explanation makes a lot of sense to me. Most of the photos of pilots in Korea that I found have no ribbon bars on the Ike jackets and the majority of the photos appear to be taken on the base. Thanks for your response, Gregg