15 replies to this topic

[Cobrahistorian]

Hey all,

I'm currently conducting research for my next book. This will cover US helicopters in WWII. During a session at the National Archives last week, I came across a document that referred to the unit insignia for the new helicopter school at Freeman Field and the fact that it was a Disney design. Does anyone have an image of it they can post?

Thanks!

Jon

[gunbarrel]

Jon,

I assume you've been to this website:

http://www.indianami...reemanSTART.htm

When you click on Helicopter School and you scroll all the way down; how about that contraption on the cetificate of completion?

Good luck!

[Cobrahistorian]

Thanks GB!

Hadn't seen that link, but I did find a copy of a Kopter Knowledge certificate since that last post. Definitely want to find an original for the collection!

Jon

[pathfinder505]

I dont mean to hijack your thread but this is a KW Helicopter Squadron Patch I have in a group. Can you ID the squadron? One of the pics is a blurred but represents the real colors. The other one was darker but shows the details.

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[disneydave]

I dont mean to hijack your thread but this is a KW Helicopter Squadron Patch I have in a group. Can you ID the squadron? One of the pics is a blurred but represents the real colors. The other one was darker but shows the details.

I think this is supposed to be the design for the "Helicopter Pilot School." The emblem was created in the fall of 1944 and pictures one of the gremlin characters designed by Disney artists in an egg beater.

[disneydave]

I know of only to Disney helicopter designs - the above and one featuring Goofy, which I think was done for Sikorsky, but am not 100% sure.

[gunbarrel]

Pathfinder505,

That is exactly the drawing on the Freeman Field Helicopter Scool certificate of completion I mentioned above; a Disney design, as confirmed by Dave. Cobrahistorian, there ye go! http://www.usmilitar...tyle_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif

[Cobrahistorian]

Hmmm... I'm wondering whether that patch is a Freeman Field one or if it is a 3rd Air Rescue Squadron patch from 1950. I missed out on an original 3rd patch on ebay last week. I haven't seen any evidence that they wore the patch at Freeman/Chanute/Sheppard during training, but I'm looking! The 3rd patches I have seen have all had the squadron identified on the patch.

Anyhow, yes, I neglected to say that the Gremlin flying the eggbeater was the design I was looking for. I've got copies of a 1944 document requesting it!

Thanks guys (and if you ever want to part with that patch and group, let me know!)

Jon

Edited by Cobrahistorian, 27 February 2009 - 05:23 AM.

[Cobrahistorian]

Dave,

I'd very much like to see the Goofy design if you've got a pic available. I'll see if I can pull the document that references the new insignia and get it scanned. Should be able to post it here pretty quickly.

Jon

[pathfinder505]

Thanks for all the info. The grouping I have belonged to a vet who was in the 5th AF in WWII and then transitioned into Helicopters. I have pictures of him in his helicopter. He was rescuing downed aviators. He even got a pin from Skikorsky for having so many rescues. I also have a scarf by a marine pilot he rescued who was in the Checkerboard squadron off the USS Bataan. I will try to post some pics later.
Robert




Anyhow, yes, I neglected to say that the Gremlin flying the eggbeater was the design I was looking for. I've got copies of a 1944 document requesting it!

Thanks guys (and if you ever want to part with that patch and group, let me know!)

Jon
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[disneydave]

If you go to my blog scroll down the homepage and you'll see the art for another helicopter design, which I think was from the 1950s...a dog with twirling ears hunting a sub.

toonsatwar.blogspot.com

[Cobrahistorian]

Got it! Thanks Dave.

I need to get upstairs in our collection room and find it, but in our original heraldic artwork collection, we have I believe two original Disney pieces for National Guard squadrons. I'll see what I can dig up!

Jon

[disneydave]

I know of only to Disney helicopter designs - the above and one featuring Goofy, which I think was done for Sikorsky, but am not 100% sure.

That should have said "two Disney helicopter designs..."

[disneydave]

Here is the design created for the Sikorsky Experimental Aircraft Service Department. This too was created in the fall of 1944.

[Cobrahistorian]

Dave,

That's AWESOME!!! Have you ever seen it as a patch? I'm headed to Sikorsky in August to do some research there. I'll see what I can find on this. Just too cool!

Jon

[Dan Hatch]

Jon: I know this is an old thread but just found it. My Dad was in the 1st class of R4 pilots at Freeman. He went on to be Chief Test Pilot at Nash for the R6 made there during WW2.  Have you finished your book? I may have info you could use. Pm me or send me an email to danielh462ATcenturytel.net  Change AT to @. Thanks, Dan