I'll start with a 1949 USAF jacket:
Full Version: post WWII, 50's & 60's US Air Force uniform photos
I have noticed that there are very few photos online of the US Air Force personnel and uniforms from the early days of the service. There's lots of Army Air Force and a fair amount of modern USAF but not much of the early days. If we can get enough photos we might break them out into categories but for now let's see what we can come up with and provide create a reference source for early USAF uniforms.
I'll start with a 1949 USAF jacket:
I'll start with a 1949 USAF jacket:
This photo is seen in various places on the web and it's one of my favorite USAF photos: the 1956 summer uniform with khaki shorts:
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As noted on the Air Force Association website at http://www.afa.org/magazine/1991/0691splendor.asp, the summer uniform also included long pants and the bush coat:
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As noted on the Air Force Association website at http://www.afa.org/magazine/1991/0691splendor.asp, the summer uniform also included long pants and the bush coat:
Here are two photos from 1952 and 1953 of WAF's ("Women in the Air Force," a distinction that was dropped in 1976).
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Here is a set of USAF EM collar discs and possible early USAF hat emblem from the late 1940's or early 1950's. All three of these emblems came in the same box find from a local antique store here in Colorado. I've always had the understanding that the gold cut-out hat emblems were US Army WAC and not USAF, but since these came together, I'm now wondering if the hat emblem is USAF? The discs are without hallmarks and the hat emblem is KREW, G.I., STERLING marked. Does anyone know for sure if USAF wore these gold cut-out hat emblems before they switched to the silver cut-outs?
The WAF bugler photo from 1952 or 1953 shows her wearing the US collar disc on the left collar, so can anyone pinpoint a specific date the gold cut-out wing and prop discs were discontinued?
BTW - Bob, this early USAF thread was an excellent idea! Transitional and Korean War era USAF is one of the most undocumented and underappreciated areas of US military history and collecting. Maybe we can tie allot of their history together?
Gary
The WAF bugler photo from 1952 or 1953 shows her wearing the US collar disc on the left collar, so can anyone pinpoint a specific date the gold cut-out wing and prop discs were discontinued?
BTW - Bob, this early USAF thread was an excellent idea! Transitional and Korean War era USAF is one of the most undocumented and underappreciated areas of US military history and collecting. Maybe we can tie allot of their history together?
Gary
QUOTE(GLM @ May 29 2007, 04:15 PM) 
Here is a set of USAF EM collar discs and possible early USAF hat emblem from the late 1940's or early 1950's. All three of these emblems came in the same box find from a local antique store here in Colorado. I've always had the understanding that the gold cut-out hat emblems were US Army WAC and not USAF, but since these came together, I'm now wondering if the hat emblem is USAF? The discs are without hallmarks and the hat emblem is KREW, G.I., STERLING marked. Does anyone know for sure if USAF wore these gold cut-out hat emblems before they switched to the silver cut-outs?
The WAF bugler photo from 1952 or 1953 shows her wearing the US collar disc on the left collar, so can anyone pinpoint a specific date the gold cut-out wing and prop discs were discontinued?
BTW - Bob, this early USAF thread was an excellent idea! Transitional and Korean War era USAF is one of the most undocumented and underappreciated areas of US military history and collecting. Maybe we can tie allot of their history together?
Gary
The WAF bugler photo from 1952 or 1953 shows her wearing the US collar disc on the left collar, so can anyone pinpoint a specific date the gold cut-out wing and prop discs were discontinued?
BTW - Bob, this early USAF thread was an excellent idea! Transitional and Korean War era USAF is one of the most undocumented and underappreciated areas of US military history and collecting. Maybe we can tie allot of their history together?
Gary
I once saw an AF blue Ike jacket like that shown at the top, but with ARMY labels! Apparently made to same specs bu the same contractor, but now with new material. If I recall correctly, it was dated '48. Can't get much earlier than that!
I have also seen OD wool Ikes with the new AF chevrons -- definitely transtitional.
This is the Air Force sage green fatique shirt. This came from the same estate as the Ike and bush jackets above: this guy enlisted in AAF in 1944 and retired from USAF in 1964 and left two trunks of uniforms spanning the years. The shirt's labels were missing but I believe this was late 1950's:
Sage green remained a popular color for Air Force flight suits long after it disappeared from utility uniforms. This flight suit has a black label:
The label is undated, but I saw another pair with a higher contract number that was dated 1959.
The label is undated, but I saw another pair with a higher contract number that was dated 1959.
I found a load of official US Air Force photos showing basic training classes dating back to 1948. It's an interesting glimpse at some of the changes in uniforms.
Notice the Army style visor caps in this photo (remember the USAF was established in Sept 1947):
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Interesting to note that by April 1950 we see both the Army cap and a dark blue cap being work with the khaki uniform:
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Notice the Army style visor caps in this photo (remember the USAF was established in Sept 1947):
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Interesting to note that by April 1950 we see both the Army cap and a dark blue cap being work with the khaki uniform:
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Here's a couple more from 1950 including one of WAF's:
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This is from a Septemeber 1950 class photo:
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This is from a Septemeber 1950 class photo:
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Notice the helmets on these 1951 basic training instructors and the soft caps on the recruits:
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In 1951 they could still give their visor caps the crusher look:
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In 1951 they could still give their visor caps the crusher look:
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Notice the Ike jackets and boots on this 1952 class:
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This is a 1952 WAF class:
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This is a 1952 WAF class:
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A February 1953 class:
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Here's a January 1960 class: notice how geeky the uniform looks compared to those from the 1950's. This is basically what they had when I went through Lackland AFB in 1968 and it was not a look that inspired esprit de corps:
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Here's a January 1960 class: notice how geeky the uniform looks compared to those from the 1950's. This is basically what they had when I went through Lackland AFB in 1968 and it was not a look that inspired esprit de corps:
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Some 1950's officer's uniforms.
Here some officers meet with Eddie Rickenbacker in May 1951:
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This photo dates from 1955:
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Those khaki suits were sharp looking.
Here some officers meet with Eddie Rickenbacker in May 1951:
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This photo dates from 1955:
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Those khaki suits were sharp looking.
Some USAF uniform histories:
http://www.af.mil/news/airman/1296/duds.htm, which notes:
It wasn't until January 1949 when the Air Force adopted its shade 84 blue uniforms; however, most airmen didn't have a set of "blues" hanging in their wall lockers until late 1950. In the interim, officers wore the Army's "pinks and greens" and airmen wore ODs (olive drab).
and this one http://www.afa.org/magazine/1991/0691splendor.asp
http://www.af.mil/news/airman/1296/duds.htm, which notes:
It wasn't until January 1949 when the Air Force adopted its shade 84 blue uniforms; however, most airmen didn't have a set of "blues" hanging in their wall lockers until late 1950. In the interim, officers wore the Army's "pinks and greens" and airmen wore ODs (olive drab).
and this one http://www.afa.org/magazine/1991/0691splendor.asp
Here is a K-2B flight suit with a December 11, 1959 date on the tag. The 4170th Strategic Wing was disestablished in 1963.
Dennis
Dennis
The hat badge & collar brass in number 4 are "transition" brass. These were worn on the Army Ikes before the new blue uniform came out. The same hat badge was also used later for females in the Army, but originally were USAF enlisted .
I got this info from an old collector buddy who was in the Air Force during WWII and after. He has since passed away.
The 2 officers with Eddie Rickenbacker are Capt. James Jabara, the first USAF all jet ace from the Korean War. He finished with 15 kills over MiG-15's. On the right is General Hoyt Vandenberg who at the time of the photo was Chief of Staff USAF. I went thru USAF Basic at Lackland in April-May 1966 and served as a supply man till 1970. I issued specialized clothing (flight gear, firemans clothes & cold weather gear mostly), so I'm familuar with a lot of this stuff.
I noticed in one of the basic training photos from the ealry 50's, the TI is wearing a hashmark & overseas bars. These were silver (like the chevrons), on shade 1084 blue. They disappeared by the 1960s, and the blue Ike followed shortly.
The 1505's (short sleeve khaki color summer uniform), really didn't look all that great, but it was cool & comfortable.
Sorry for the rambling post... I have always been interested in the USAF "Transition era", from Army to blue USAF uniforms.
This is a great thread!
I got this info from an old collector buddy who was in the Air Force during WWII and after. He has since passed away.
The 2 officers with Eddie Rickenbacker are Capt. James Jabara, the first USAF all jet ace from the Korean War. He finished with 15 kills over MiG-15's. On the right is General Hoyt Vandenberg who at the time of the photo was Chief of Staff USAF. I went thru USAF Basic at Lackland in April-May 1966 and served as a supply man till 1970. I issued specialized clothing (flight gear, firemans clothes & cold weather gear mostly), so I'm familuar with a lot of this stuff.
I noticed in one of the basic training photos from the ealry 50's, the TI is wearing a hashmark & overseas bars. These were silver (like the chevrons), on shade 1084 blue. They disappeared by the 1960s, and the blue Ike followed shortly.
The 1505's (short sleeve khaki color summer uniform), really didn't look all that great, but it was cool & comfortable.
Sorry for the rambling post... I have always been interested in the USAF "Transition era", from Army to blue USAF uniforms.
This is a great thread!
Hi,
My Korea War Era Sergeant uniform:
Best regards,
Ricardo.
My Korea War Era Sergeant uniform:
Best regards,
Ricardo.
QUOTE(Lee Ragan @ May 30 2007, 06:16 AM)
Sorry for the rambling post... I have always been interested in the USAF "Transition era", from Army to blue USAF uniforms.
This is a great thread!
This is a great thread!
Ramble on my friend! Any details you can provide, feel free to do so.
I see a mix of coats and Ike jackets in one photo but does anyone have a photo of a blue coat modified into an Ike jacket in wear?
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The custom tailored jackets would show the front and epaulet buttons and would not have the buttons on the cuffs that the issue Ike jackets had.
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The custom tailored jackets would show the front and epaulet buttons and would not have the buttons on the cuffs that the issue Ike jackets had.
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QUOTE(TSgt Mackey @ Nov 3 2007, 11:28 PM)
I have visited your site many times: an excellent resource for USAF uniform and security police info. Maybe you could start a new topic about SP collection and that might prompt some other collectors to add their photos to the topic.
I was at SAC missile in the late 60's and because of the security requirements of the missile launch sites it seemed like half of the base personnel were SP's (and the other half were cooks to feed them).
Here is a series of period pictures showing vintage U.S.A.F. uniforms over a 10-year period between 1948 to 1957 (the soldier is my father):
He served in the Army from 1940 until 1945 and then reenlisted in the Air Force in January 1948. His first Air Force assignment was March Field, Calif. When this picture was taken, the Air Force was still wearing Army uniforms. His right sleeve patch reflects WWII service with Sixth Army in New Guinea and the Philippines. His left sleeve patch is not visible at this angle.
He served in the Army from 1940 until 1945 and then reenlisted in the Air Force in January 1948. His first Air Force assignment was March Field, Calif. When this picture was taken, the Air Force was still wearing Army uniforms. His right sleeve patch reflects WWII service with Sixth Army in New Guinea and the Philippines. His left sleeve patch is not visible at this angle.
This group picture was taken at March Field in the summer of 1948 and he had been promoted to sergeant. The Air Force was still wearing Army uniforms. In this picture the Twelfth Air Force patch is visible everyone's left sleeve and he is still wearing his Sixth Army patch on the right. It is hard to see in this reduction, but the NCOs are wearing wing-and-propeller discs on their left collar points while the officer is wearing Adjutant General's Corps insignia on his. Soon after this picture, he was assigned to "Operation Vittles" in Germany to support the Berlin Airlift.
He is now a staff sergeant on assignment in Iceland in 1950/51 (left photo). He is wearing Air Force chevrons here but he may still be wearing an O.D. uniform jacket, as his shirt and necktie appear to be khaki in this picture. In fact, except for the insignia, the jacket, shirt, and necktie in this picture appears identical to the uniform he wore in 1948 (first picture of this series). Any enlightenment on his point would be most welcome. The next picture was taken at Long Beach Air Force Base the day he came home from Iceland in 1951. Here he is wearing a dark colored necktie and his USAF-style cut-out U.S. discs are clearly visible -- also the reverse pleats in his trousers. The big yawn commemorates many hours of flying aboard a noisy and slow moving C-118.
He was a technical sergeant here and the one and only Air Force recruiter in Las Vegas, Nev., at the time the picture was taken in February 1957. As the occasion was a formal function, he is wearing a white shirt and black bow tie with the blue service uniform, as well as the blue and white "Recruiting Service" brassard.
Sharp eyes will also notice that he has acquired three more service medals since 1948 (see the first two pictures of this series). In this picture, he has added ribbons for the Army of Occupation Medal (upside down!) and the Medal for Humane Action (both earned while in Germany for "Operation Vittles") and the National Defense Service Medal. (Someone will undoubtedly notice as well that his Philippine Liberation ribbon is in the right place here but out of order in the 67th Reconnaissance Wing picture.)
Transition uniforms approximately 1947
Would this have been an enlisted 505 khaki shirt from the 1950's? I believe they stopped wearing this style of shirt about 1960 or so and the Air Materiel Command - shown on the shirt label - became the Air Force Logistics Command in 1961. My best guess is that these were embroidered and worn in Japan or Korea very early in the 50's.
There are no chevrons but I had thought the officers collar insignia did not have the circle around the the US.
I am going to move this to a thread dealing with early US Air Force uniforms and maybe that will help us get some more answers.
There are no chevrons but I had thought the officers collar insignia did not have the circle around the the US.
I am going to move this to a thread dealing with early US Air Force uniforms and maybe that will help us get some more answers.
QUOTE(Forum Support @ Jan 27 2008, 03:54 AM)
Would this have been an enlisted 505 khaki shirt from the 1950's? I believe they stopped wearing this style of shirt about 1960 or so and the Air Materiel Command - shown on the shirt label - became the Air Force Logistics Command in 1961. My best guess is that these were embroidered and worn in Japan or Korea very early in the 50's....There are no chevrons but I had thought the officers collar insignia did not have the circle around the the US....
Nice shirt. It is an commercial version of the standard issue long sleeve khaki shirt worn in USAF until about 1960 (light weight shade 505 uniforms were approved in 1961 to replace heavy cotton khakis). The 67th Recon. Wing officer shown in post #22 above is wearing a similar commercial gabardine uniform vs. issue khakis worn by the enlisted men.
The ring encircling the bullion "U.S." insignia on the collar points makes the owner of this shirt an enlisted man. However, the absence of chevrons is puzzling, as this would have been an expensive uniform for an Airman Basic to own. Nevertheless, the shirt shows signs of wear: Is there any sign that chevrons were removed? I agree with Admin as to worn in Japan in 1950s: The red stitching in the collar band above the "Creighton" label is a Japanese laundry mark (probably the shirt owner's name).
Here are two Army Air Corps/Air Force transition IKE's I have. Please see related post in the uniform section titled '1950's Air Force Uniform Question'.
The first IKE is dated with a March 1945 QM tag. As you can see it has a right sleeve 8th AAF patch and left sleeve 1st AAF patch with Air Force Staff Sergeant stripes. This IKE has two Army hash marks on the left sleeve.
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The second IKE has a 1944 dated QM tag. It has a Military Air Transport Service patch on the left sleeve with Air Force Tech Sgt stripes, no other marks. This IKE has the name and serial number of the owner which I have not researched. Walter L Hustus, 31153044.
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Neither jacket had any brass or ribbons when I aquired them, which has been over 20 years ago from an antique/junk shop in New York.
Dan
The first IKE is dated with a March 1945 QM tag. As you can see it has a right sleeve 8th AAF patch and left sleeve 1st AAF patch with Air Force Staff Sergeant stripes. This IKE has two Army hash marks on the left sleeve.
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The second IKE has a 1944 dated QM tag. It has a Military Air Transport Service patch on the left sleeve with Air Force Tech Sgt stripes, no other marks. This IKE has the name and serial number of the owner which I have not researched. Walter L Hustus, 31153044.
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Neither jacket had any brass or ribbons when I aquired them, which has been over 20 years ago from an antique/junk shop in New York.
Dan
Here is a transitional Ike style blue AF wool jacket with the patch for the 581st Air Materials Assembly Squadron which served during the Korean War providing aerial delivery of supplies and equipment used to support guerrilla operations and distribute psychological warfare propaganda materials.
Wailuna--love the photos---nice work and a great tribute for these guys:
heres my contribution to the topic---first up is the trunk lot I picked up a while back---must have been right on the cusp of the transition because the guys set included the Ike with the wing stripes and then his blue jacket with the next rank---I have blotted out his name and serial number on the lid of the trunk out of respect for his privacy. You can see his set also included both blue and olive overseas hats and garrison hats.
heres my contribution to the topic---first up is the trunk lot I picked up a while back---must have been right on the cusp of the transition because the guys set included the Ike with the wing stripes and then his blue jacket with the next rank---I have blotted out his name and serial number on the lid of the trunk out of respect for his privacy. You can see his set also included both blue and olive overseas hats and garrison hats.
And here's one more ---- as you can see somebody got to the patches on both sleeves but left the other stuff---from the shape of patch remnants it might have been 8th AAF and USAAF or other round ETO patches. AFB
Fantastic, I love those Army IKE's. Nice group.
Dan
Dan
QUOTE(dan @ Mar 25 2008, 09:17 AM)
Fantastic, I love those Army IKE's. Nice group.
Dan
Dan
Dan---I'm headed back home on thursday to visit my folks and I'll try to get my dad to dig into his memory banks and see what he can remember about the transitional period and why they wore the combinations they did...fascinating period to study...and the uniforms are really an undervalued area of miltaria...
AFB
CW4AFB,
Yes the transition uniforms are underated. I for one will be waiting to hear what your dad remembers about them.
Dan
Yes the transition uniforms are underated. I for one will be waiting to hear what your dad remembers about them.
Dan
QUOTE(GLM @ May 29 2007, 05:15 PM)
Here is a set of USAF EM collar discs and possible early USAF hat emblem from the late 1940's or early 1950's. All three of these emblems came in the same box find from a local antique store here in Colorado. I've always had the understanding that the gold cut-out hat emblems were US Army WAC and not USAF, but since these came together, I'm now wondering if the hat emblem is USAF? The discs are without hallmarks and the hat emblem is KREW, G.I., STERLING marked. Does anyone know for sure if USAF wore these gold cut-out hat emblems before they switched to the silver cut-outs?
The 1948 USAF Instruction which authorizes the gold colored Enlisted "Transition" Collar Insignia that are shown in the photo also authorizes a gold colored Enlisted Cap Badge of the type shown. The Instruction indicates that the Badge is 1 3/4" in diameter and slightly convex. The "Spec Sheet" for the production of the Cap Badge indicates that the Badge is 1 11/16" in diameter and that it has a screw post on the back.
The WAF bugler photo from 1952 or 1953 shows her wearing the US collar disc on the left collar, so can anyone pinpoint a specific date the gold cut-out wing and prop discs were discontinued?
Still looking, but probably sometime in 1950. Has anyone got any info on the Enlisted Transition Collar Brass in silver? I have several.
BTW - Bob, this early USAF thread was an excellent idea! Transitional and Korean War era USAF is one of the most undocumented and underappreciated areas of US military history and collecting. Maybe we can tie allot of their history together?
Gary
The 1948 USAF Instruction which authorizes the gold colored Enlisted "Transition" Collar Insignia that are shown in the photo also authorizes a gold colored Enlisted Cap Badge of the type shown. The Instruction indicates that the Badge is 1 3/4" in diameter and slightly convex. The "Spec Sheet" for the production of the Cap Badge indicates that the Badge is 1 11/16" in diameter and that it has a screw post on the back.
The WAF bugler photo from 1952 or 1953 shows her wearing the US collar disc on the left collar, so can anyone pinpoint a specific date the gold cut-out wing and prop discs were discontinued?
Still looking, but probably sometime in 1950. Has anyone got any info on the Enlisted Transition Collar Brass in silver? I have several.
BTW - Bob, this early USAF thread was an excellent idea! Transitional and Korean War era USAF is one of the most undocumented and underappreciated areas of US military history and collecting. Maybe we can tie allot of their history together?
Gary
The 1948 USAF Instruction which authorizes the gold colored Enlisted "Transition" Collar Insignia that are shown in the photo also authorizes a gold colored Enlisted Cap Badge of the type shown. The Instruction indicates that the Badge is 1 3/4" in diameter and slightly convex. The "Spec Sheet" for the production of the Cap Badge indicates that the Badge is 1 11/16" in diameter and that it has a screw post on the back.
Also tried to answer the following question about when the Silver US replaced the Transition Pieces. I'm still looking, but probably about 1950. They show up quickly once the blue uniform starts getting into the field, but so far I haven't been able to find a reference.
Check 6,
Bill
QUOTE(dan @ Mar 26 2008, 12:14 PM)
CW4AFB,
Yes the transition uniforms are underated. I for one will be waiting to hear what your dad remembers about them.
Dan
Yes the transition uniforms are underated. I for one will be waiting to hear what your dad remembers about them.
Dan
Dan---It was an experience---He and one of his buddies---B24 radio Operator shot down over Ploesti and went on to serve 25+ years in the USAF--sat down with me and we looked at all the uniforms on this string and other places here to discuss...when I get some time this weekend, I'll transscribe my notes and give you what they told me...
Al
QUOTE(Forum Support @ May 30 2007, 01:06 AM)
Some 1950's officer's uniforms.
Here some officers meet with Eddie Rickenbacker in May 1951:
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This photo dates from 1955:
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Those khaki suits were sharp looking.
Here some officers meet with Eddie Rickenbacker in May 1951:
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This photo dates from 1955:
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Those khaki suits were sharp looking.
The guy in the middle, between Rickenbacker and the Generalm, looks like J. J. Jabarra who was one of the top Aces of the Korean War.
Here is a photo of my father who was a CFC gunner on B-29 bombers stationed in Savana Ga. in 1952 He tells me that when he enlisted in 1951 they had the
brown issue uniforms also given to them. Here he wears kakis and a blue tie. ( His gunner wings are WW2 issued pin backed)Market garden
brown issue uniforms also given to them. Here he wears kakis and a blue tie. ( His gunner wings are WW2 issued pin backed)Market garden
I have several other photos of him and his friends wearing fatigue uniforms of the period. Also one of him in his gun turret(in color).
That photo could pass as WW2. Ill dig them out. Market garden
That photo could pass as WW2. Ill dig them out. Market garden
If you desire to see great post war Airforce uniform photos get the following movies. The Big Lift. with Montgomery Cliff. About the Berlin blockade. and Strategic Air Command with Jimmy
Stuart. In this movie He makes the comment "When I was in before we wore the brown uniform". when he gets "Challenged" by a AP in a blue uniform at a airbase Market garden
Stuart. In this movie He makes the comment "When I was in before we wore the brown uniform". when he gets "Challenged" by a AP in a blue uniform at a airbase Market garden
My ike jacket:
My USAF uniforms
Once upon a time, about 15 years ago, there were about 3 people in the US collecting USAF fatigue uniforms. I was one of them, and the other two were the ones who occaisionally bid against me at Manion's.
There just was not a whole lot of interest in them. Most of them probably had their patches removed and then donated to base thrift shops and Goodwill. (The USAF thrift shop at Hickam used to put them out for three weeks and then donate them to the Civil Air Patrol).
Here are some selections from my former collection:
1) 27th Fighter Squadron Missile Maintenance technician. Note the yellow nametape with the stenciled lettering. As I recall it was made of a reinforced cloth of some type, like some kind of strapping material. Also note there is no USAF tape. I am guessing this is from the 1950's. Note the brown plastic buttons.
There just was not a whole lot of interest in them. Most of them probably had their patches removed and then donated to base thrift shops and Goodwill. (The USAF thrift shop at Hickam used to put them out for three weeks and then donate them to the Civil Air Patrol).
Here are some selections from my former collection:
1) 27th Fighter Squadron Missile Maintenance technician. Note the yellow nametape with the stenciled lettering. As I recall it was made of a reinforced cloth of some type, like some kind of strapping material. Also note there is no USAF tape. I am guessing this is from the 1950's. Note the brown plastic buttons.
2) A very poor picture of an Asian made fatigue shirt with a Japanese made Neko Nomad unit patch. The name tape is large and white and had four lines of information including the owners first and last name, his duty station, a full line in Japanese and his unit. Note the added pen pocket on the left sleeve. This one I believe came from Manion's auction and is also most likely from the 1950's.
3) An interesting shirt from the 49th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. The F106 Delta Dart patch is quite striking. If you look closely at the left sleeve you will see the shadow of a much higher NCO rank. Most likely this shirt was recycled for use by another airman. Early 1960s?
4) At first this shirt with the MAC patch looks fairly ordinary... until you realize that the wing is for a pilot and not an enlisted Airman. Mistake? Or a retread officer?
Also note the reflective flight line tape on the sleeves to increase visibility during darkness.
If you look at the inside center of the shirt, you will see that the flight line tape was also sewn on the back as well.
Also note the reflective flight line tape on the sleeves to increase visibility during darkness.
If you look at the inside center of the shirt, you will see that the flight line tape was also sewn on the back as well.
5) USAF field jacket, similar to the M-65 but notice the difference in the collar. Note the large TAC pocket patch. But the neatest thing about this jacket is again the use of the reflective flight line tape, both on the front and back. I took this out at night and shined a light on it, and it lit up like neon. This was quite used. 1960s?
6) A standard issue OG-107 cotton fatigue shirt with direct embroidered rank and pilot wing, as well as name and USAF tapes. As I recall it could have been embroidered in either Thailand or Vietnam. This is most likely from early in the Vietnam War.
7) Sometimes uniforms from this period had a bare minimum of insignia. This is an Asian embroidered Air Commando tab on a starched cotton OG-107 fatigue shirt. Other than name, rank and USAF there was never any other insignia on the uniform.
I believe I pulled this out of the Hickam AFB thrift shop in the 1980's.
I believe I pulled this out of the Hickam AFB thrift shop in the 1980's.
8) Another example of bare minimum insignia: The qualification badge is beautifully hand embroidered, most likely from Thailand. It is hard to tell from the photo, but the blue background of this insignia is a very richly dyed deep blue.
Also hard to tell is that the name SKINNER is actually very closely chain stitched. And also, look how closely trimmed the 1st LT rank is.... this is not direct embroidered but very tightly sewn on without the blue border. The USAF tape is standard issue.
This was a Salvation Army find on Oahu.
Also hard to tell is that the name SKINNER is actually very closely chain stitched. And also, look how closely trimmed the 1st LT rank is.... this is not direct embroidered but very tightly sewn on without the blue border. The USAF tape is standard issue.
This was a Salvation Army find on Oahu.
9) Asian made fatigue shirt on display at the museum of RECON Militaria, in Dallas TX (now currently in storage).
The rank and pilot wing are direct embroidered, and the USAF tape is hand embroidered.
Note the added sleeve pocket in a slightly different shade of material. The Asian dyed thread has faded slightly to provide an outline of the shirt. Note the small size buttons. The Air Commando Squadron pocket patch is Thai made.
The rank and pilot wing are direct embroidered, and the USAF tape is hand embroidered.
Note the added sleeve pocket in a slightly different shade of material. The Asian dyed thread has faded slightly to provide an outline of the shirt. Note the small size buttons. The Air Commando Squadron pocket patch is Thai made.
10) Another Thai made fatigue shirt featuring a pocket patch for the 553rd RECON Sq. and its associated wing. This unit flew EC-123, electronic monitoring versions of the Constellation. Note the light weight material, which is one reason such uniforms were favore. The name and USAF are custom embroidered and the wing may have been as well. Again note the small sized buttons.
I believe this was purchased through Manion's auction at a price far below the value of the patches sewn to it. That was true about uniforms for a long time.... you could pick them up cheaper than the patches because nobody wanted to store them. As one collector told me "you cannot fit a fatigue shirt into a notebook binder!"
I believe this was purchased through Manion's auction at a price far below the value of the patches sewn to it. That was true about uniforms for a long time.... you could pick them up cheaper than the patches because nobody wanted to store them. As one collector told me "you cannot fit a fatigue shirt into a notebook binder!"
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