Fred Johanson NORSO OSS wings

[EJohanson1029]

Hi, I was hoping for the return of my grandfathers (Fred Johanson) NORSO OSS wings so I can give them to my dad.  It would be a huge deal to us, however I completely understand the collection value they have.   
 

If needed I can prove that I am his grandson (his Royal Order of the North Star medal from King Gustav from Sweden is hanging in my office). 
 

My grandpa fred started Johanson Insurance in Jamestown NY when he returned, and my dad took it over after his passing.  I became a police officer in our hometown, where I still work.  We were excited when Fred gave an interview for a book called “a hometown went to war” as he seldomly discussed his wartime experiences.  
 

I know my dad (and myself) would be forever greatful.  
 

EJ

[EJohanson1029]

[EJohanson1029]

Also, my grandmother Elsie was a civilian member of the OSS.   

[manayunkman]

Fantastic family heritage.

 

When did the wings get separated from the family and what else went with it?

 

Ever thought of finding a replacement?

[EJohanson1029]

We are unsure, his parachute was stitched into my grandmothers wedding dress and is on display in a museum.  
 

grandpa Fred passed in 1999, and we still have his service medals.  We would really like his wings back.  Again, he seldomly talked about it so it was hard to track his WW2 equipment/patches.  

[EJohanson1029]

We’re unsure how they left his possession, we can only think of one person he would personally give them to and I doubt he’d willingly trade/give them away

[EJohanson1029]

We’re unsure how they left his possession, we can only think of one person he would personally give them to and I doubt he’d willingly trade/give them away

[doyler]

Quite and interesting history of your grandfather. Im currently ready Piercing the Reich which is a detailed account of the OSS and the operation to get agents into Germany. 

 

It can be frustrating when things get scattered over time and very daunting to locate them. Due to time that has passed and maybe attribution lost by the current or past owners. Is there any identifying marks or that set these wings apart or make them identifiable to your grandfather? Just thinking out loud here as many may need more info to go on of the type and possible markings to look for. Just curious as most wings are not named or engraved and how would one go about looking for a wing when they are not numbered or marked?  Also which wing/ wings are you searching for? The US jump wing? The SF wing or British paratrooper wing? Many of the OSS wore one or all of these wings. 

 

Since you mentioned a possible owner/ care taker of the wing I think I would reach out to the person and see what he has to say or if he acknowledges ownership. Never hurts to ask. Good luck