[ID/Research] 1963 K-2B Flight Suit - Col. Donald P. Kirkpatrick - 100th ARW / SAC

[Agapir]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for more information or a 100% service ID on a flight suit I recently acquired. It’s a K-2B "Very Light" cotton suit with some interesting history.

Details:

·         Nomenclature: Suit, Flying, Man's, Very Light, K-2B

·         Contract: DSA-1-3252-64-C (Dated 30 September 1963)

·         Maker: Covington Industries, Inc.

Insignia:

·         Leather Name Tag: "COL. D.P. KIRKPATRICK" with Command Pilot wings (Star and Wreath).

·         Patch: 100th Air Refueling Wing (100th ARW) "Peace Through Strength".

·         Rank: Metal Colonel (O-6) eagle insignia under a plastic window on the shoulder.

Context:
The suit is dated 1963, but the insignia suggests a high-ranking officer (Colonel) with over 3000 flight hours (Command Pilot) later in his career, possibly during the 1970s or 80s. I suspect it belonged to Col. Donald P. Kirkpatrick,  potentially serving with the "Bloody Hundredth" at RAF Mildenhall or within the Strategic Air Command (SAC).

Questions:

1.    Can anyone confirm the identity of Col. D.P. Kirkpatrick within the 100th ARW records?

2.    Is it common for a 1963-dated K-2B to be used as a "heritage" or backup suit by a Colonel in the 80s?

3.    Are there any specific squadrons within the 100th ARW he might have commanded?

I’ve attached photos of the tag, patches, and rank insignia. Any help would be greatly appreciated!