CATERPILLAR CLUB , GOLDFISH CLUB , SEA SQUATTERS CLUB

[easterneagle87]

Doing a bit of bird dogging this morning, cruising the FB Mkt and saw this plaque. Offered out of Vancouver, WA. I figured one of you's guys would want to jump on it. So here it is.  I asked if they ship, but hadn't heard back yet.   

 

[GAZOO]

16 minutes ago, easterneagle87 said:

Doing a bit of bird dogging this morning, cruising the FB Mkt and saw this plaque. Offered out of Vancouver, WA. I figured one of you's guys would want to jump on it. So here it is.  I asked if they ship, but hadn't heard back yet.   

 

  Awesome plaque, cant seem to locate it on FB. I would be interested for sure
Would be great to find a group to one of the listed awarded members to go along with it

[GAZOO]

Recently picked up this Group to DAVID BESBRIS 
Only WWII awarded all 3 of these awards


Riplyes believe it or not, Copy of his 100 award AND Norwegian ID used during his Evasion
the stack of binders contain what looks like all his correspondence and Translated letters from
the individuals who helped him

Includes 2 screen plays written  by David Besbris telling his story of evasion

Oh also his uniform 

Been going through and reading for about two weeks and have only scratch the surface
as i remember this was over 90 lbs of items when received




 

[AxolotlHelmet]

WOW! One of the greatest groupings I've ever seen Gazoo! Those screenplays are just the cherry on the top. Would love to see a photo of the uniform when you get the chance. Again, awesome grouping and thanks for showing it.

[AxolotlHelmet]

Returning back to the plaque, here’s some photos / articles I was able to find of Mrs. Derry (including one of her rigging a chute)

[easterneagle87]

This plaque was picked up by forum member: Uniforms of the Day, who I believe is local to where the plaque was offered. Such a nice acquisition. I had contacted the seller prior to the sale and then after, that it was a great item with significant historical information. Here's what I got back from them:

 

I found the plaque in a bin at a Goodwill outlet. It is sad to see people dumping items of historical significance.  

 

Congrats to; Uniforms of the Day for getting this one!

 

[KASTAUFFER]

[WWIIinterviews]

9 hours ago, easterneagle87 said:

This plaque was picked up by forum member: Uniforms of the Day, who I believe is local to where the plaque was offered. Such a nice acquisition. I had contacted the seller prior to the sale and then after, that it was a great item with significant historical information. Here's what I got back from them:

 

I found the plaque in a bin at a Goodwill outlet. It is sad to see people dumping items of historical significance.  

 

Congrats to; Uniforms of the Day for getting this one!

 

 

I sent a message about the plaque a couple of days ago. Did you receive it?

[manayunkman]

Here is part of a group to a US Navy Hellcat pilot who ditched his plane after being damaged in battle.

[GAZOO]

1 hour ago, manayunkman said:

Here is part of a group to a US Navy Hellcat pilot who ditched his plane after being damaged in battle.

Another NO WAVE Fish, this is the 3rd I have seen
I am beginning to think these were awarded to service members who used a raft
BUT was NOT in the water very long. I know mine that has no waves was awarded to a service member
who was rescued within a short time

 Another interesting fact Mine and another were both awarded for action
off the Japanese coast. Do you have info on the location ?

[KASTAUFFER]

I was able to acquire this piece and am looking forward to adding it to my collection! 

 

[Adam Lewis]

On 12/14/2009 at 5:59 PM, Adam Lewis said:

I bought this patch on eBay in the late 90's, not too long after it opened. A firm in the Chicago area put estate items up for sale and this was one of them.

It compares favorably to the image in Warren Carroll's book Eagles Recalled, p.166, and measures about 1 3/8" x 2".

 

I haven't seen one like this before and would like your opinions.

 

Thanks,

Adam

 

Glad to see this patch is getting some positive traction!

Adam

[manayunkman]

On 9/29/2025 at 11:10 AM, GAZOO said:

Another NO WAVE Fish, this is the 3rd I have seen
I am beginning to think these were awarded to service members who used a raft
BUT was NOT in the water very long. I know mine that has no waves was awarded to a service member
who was rescued within a short time

 Another interesting fact Mine and another were both awarded for action
off the Japanese coast. Do you have info on the location ?

Here is the pilots name, he was in VF-31.

[GAZOO]

4 hours ago, manayunkman said:

Here is the pilots name, he was in VF-31.

 
Another Pacific theater Award most likely,

Fighter Squadron 31 Pilots assigned December 9, 1944
'
'
Ens. Arthur F. Tarabusi
.
.

[manayunkman]

9 hours ago, GAZOO said:

 
Another Pacific theater Award most likely,

Fighter Squadron 31 Pilots assigned December 9, 1944
'
'
Ens. Arthur F. Tarabusi
.
.

I believe he was on a mission where they attacked an island but I can’t remember.

[zacharybrock]

Hi all, I was wondering if anyone has any GUINEA PIG CLUB badges/items by any chance please? If so please contact me :) thanks!

[easterneagle87]

22 hours ago, zacharybrock said:

Hi all, I was wondering if anyone has any GUINEA PIG CLUB badges/items by any chance please? If so please contact me :) thanks!

Ok, what is the Guinea Pig Club? 

[zacharybrock]

GUINEA PIG CLUB

Founded in 1941. Essentially RAF aircrew were at high risk of burns whether caused by fuel tanks exploding when shot or frostbite due to altitude. A pioneering plastic surgeon called Archibald Mcindoe operated on these RAF burn victims using new techniques to rebuild their lives and mend their injuries. The soldiers he operated on decided to form a club called the “Guinea Pig Club” as the new techniques made them ‘Guinea pigs’. I collect items from the Guinea pig club and I am looking for a badge as below in the picture! It’s a niche club similar to the goldfish or caterpillar club.
 

The other picture is an example of the plastic surgery. 
 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guinea_Pig_Club

[zacharybrock]

29 minutes ago, easterneagle87 said:

Ok, what is the Guinea Pig Club? 

See my latest post :) sorry still learning how to ‘quote’ and reply to posts!

[KASTAUFFER]

Nice gold Irving Caterpillar Club pin with ruby eyes to a 392nd BG Navigator who bailed out on March 18, 1944. 
 

it is difficult to find the gold pins to Americans. Most of the ones you see are to British and Commonwealth POW’s.

[easterneagle87]

Saw this for sale on the FB page, Military collectors, DoND, and I thought I'd share the image. Pretty high price on it now.

WW2 Era bail out over water patches… The larger patch and a small fish for an additional bail out over water.. It is my understanding the small fish would be sewn underneath similar to photo.. The fish was shown and discussed in Duncan Campbell’s book on Aviation insignia.. Appear British made.