vintageproductions Posted August 19, 2021 Share #1 Posted August 19, 2021 I’m sure this is a question for Randy...... Is this a 16th Bomb Squadron or a 60’s Italian made 916th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron patch? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randy Posted August 20, 2021 Share #2 Posted August 20, 2021 Bob, WW 2 is not really my area. But, the 916th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron was not activated until 2003. The 916 AREFS used into the 80s was a totally different design (attached). The 16 BMS appears to have been in the Pacific only, and that was very late in the war. The construction of this patch appears postwar to me, maybe 60s as you suggested but I do not think it's authentic. A shot of the back could help see where it was made. Randy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vintageproductions Posted August 20, 2021 Author Share #3 Posted August 20, 2021 It’s at my office but it is for sure late 50’s-60’s Italian made Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
easty Posted November 24, 2021 Share #4 Posted November 24, 2021 I have an extensive bomb squadron / AREFS patch collection that covers the 50s to late 70s and not one example looks like your patch construction. For me its just wrong for a late 50's patch where as Randy's 916th example is spot on for the unit at that time. Typically units who after the war carried on with the B29 kept the large 5 inch design, by the mid 50's - early 60's patches shrank to a standard 4 inchs. some went as small as 3.5inchs. What I find interesting is the orange stitching on the ring, looks like its chain , but then the use of long threads. Like Randy I would want to see the back of the patch. Easty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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