will m. Posted January 27, 2016 Share #1 Posted January 27, 2016 Pictured is the Officers coat of Harold W. Walkup, O-711104. Walkup was a Navigator with the 535th Bomb Squadron, 381st Bomb Group and flew 2 tours and was a Lead Navigator. Of interest is the backing for his wing badge.....it is made of red wool and cut to match the badge. My reason for posting this in the Wings section is probably obvious, however if the Administrators think it needs to be moved, please do so. The coat and some other items came directly from Harold Walkup. Harold "graduated" from the War as a Captain. His plane was B-17G-35-DL, 42-107018 (cn21933) named Los Angeles City Limits. He is pictured with the W. E. Herman crew, 4th from the left, standing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
will m. Posted January 27, 2016 Author Share #2 Posted January 27, 2016 Crew Photo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doinworkinvans Posted January 27, 2016 Share #3 Posted January 27, 2016 Didn't red felt designate lead crew? I wish I could remember where I read this, but I think this was true?? Maybe I am making it up?!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarge8 Posted January 27, 2016 Share #4 Posted January 27, 2016 Does the red mean "Leader"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doinworkinvans Posted January 27, 2016 Share #5 Posted January 27, 2016 It is true that in Jan 1945 - he was lead navigator for 535th. So I am assuming it has something to do with that... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baker502 Posted January 27, 2016 Share #6 Posted January 27, 2016 I though lead crew was blue background with gold border. Interesting, I'm sure someone has the answer! Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doinworkinvans Posted January 27, 2016 Share #7 Posted January 27, 2016 I though lead crew was blue background with gold border. Interesting, I'm sure someone has the answer! Paul You are correct....so I guess I was making that up! But with him being sqdrn lead nav - something has to be made of that red background Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted January 27, 2016 Share #8 Posted January 27, 2016 I'll admit...for all I've seen, that's a new one for me. The "traditional" "lead crew" was just what baker502 described...a gold border on the blue combat backing. I'm curious as to what this one is!Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doinworkinvans Posted January 27, 2016 Share #9 Posted January 27, 2016 didn't the 535th have a red devil type patch? maybe? grabbing at straws now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDK Posted January 27, 2016 Share #10 Posted January 27, 2016 New to me as well. I've never encountered a red background either. I've learned long ago never to say never however! JD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B-17Guy Posted January 28, 2016 Share #11 Posted January 28, 2016 Not sure about the red backing, I'll see if I can dig something up. But fyi, here is what the Blue/Gold is all about. Taken from "Fighter Pilot" by William R. Dunn University Press of Kentucky. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wharfmaster Posted January 29, 2016 Share #12 Posted January 29, 2016 No space for ribbons below wings. Unusual. W Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
will m. Posted January 29, 2016 Author Share #13 Posted January 29, 2016 I agree......we have a period photo of Lt. Walkup wearing this coat......no ribbons and no space for ribbons. The photo is believed taken in England although it is oil tented by a Tennessee studio.......coloring was done fairly accurate. No space for ribbons below wings. Unusual. W Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doinworkinvans Posted January 29, 2016 Share #14 Posted January 29, 2016 Picture? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZPhil Posted January 29, 2016 Share #15 Posted January 29, 2016 He is sporting a PUC! So there should be at least a ETO campaign ribbon and with 2 tours a DFC on that jacket. Semper Fi Phil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BILL THE PATCH Posted March 25, 2017 Share #16 Posted March 25, 2017 Could it be for bloodied? Like the 1st USMC div with red background ?, Sent from my XT1031 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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