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WWII POW group US NAVY PILOT Bombing Squadron 86


KASTAUFFER
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I have collected POW groups and US Naval Aviation groups for a long time, but this is the first group I have ever come across where those two interests converged. This group also contains the only officially engraved US Navy Air Medal I have ever seen that was not a posthumous award.

 

Ens. Eyer was serving as a pilot with VB-86 on the USS Wasp when he was shot down and captured March 19, 1945 during an attack on ships at Kure Naval Base, Japan. He was wounded and received an Air Medal and Purple Heart for his service that day. His Radioman-Gunner did not survive the night in the water prior to the Japanese picking Eyer up.

 

For the next 6 months he would be MIA. The Japanese never reported Ens. Eyer as a POW, instead keeping him at one of their infamous " questioning camps" at Ofuna . He was kept there, beaten and questioned until he was liberated by US forces after the end of the war.

 

He stayed in the USN and retired as a Lt Commander in 1958. He passed away at the very young age of 50.

 

 

This man's service represents a little researched aspect of WWII. The hardships endured by aviators captured by the Japanese was tremendous. Many did not survive captivity.

 

I dedicate this thread to those men.

 

This is a photo taken of Lt(JG) Eyer shortly after he was liberated.

 

eyer11.jpg

 

eyer19.JPG

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The official engraving on the reverse of the Air Medal . It was presented to his family in August 1945.

 

eyer9.JPG

 

His pinback LGB Naval Aviator wings.

 

eyer4.JPG

eyer5.JPG

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Transmittal Letter for the Air Medal and temporary citation.

 

eyer15.jpg

 

Permanent citation for the Air Medal.

 

eyer16.jpg

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Citation for the Purple Heart presented to him in the hospital

 

eyer18.jpg

 

The welcome home letter sent to LT(JG) Eyer after he made it back alive.

 

eyer17.jpg

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Kurt, I made a valiant effort to win that one...but am glad you got it! GREAT group

 

Thanks Andy!

 

I was very happy with the price I paid. I got this entire group for less that what the the last 2 single KIA USN AM's on Ebay went for. The fact a photo of the engraving wasnt posted probably helped.

 

Kurt

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Thanks Guys :thumbsup: I do feel fortunate to be the caretaker of this group.

 

I just found this pic online. The caption on the photo tells the story.

 

 

Eyer_lice2.jpg

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Transmittal Letter for the Air Medal and temporary citation.

 

post-105-1251579993.jpg

 

Permanent citation for the Air Medal.

 

post-105-1251579999.jpg

Amazing grouping

Just a side note this certificate is signed by Di Gates pilot number 65 one of the original First Yale Unit pilots from WW I.

Regards Dan

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  • 2 years later...

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