While mine are game used, they are not used by their endorsement namesakes. However, because of these endorsements, they do command ample attention on the collector market.

Thank you KathyB.  Definitely a one-of-a-kind handmade USAS Pilot wing!  And the colored tinted portrait is terrific!

Some additional information on the 509 FS ships you posted:   KAT-SAS  - based on the alternating red colors of the cowl flaps, I think this is KAT-SAS III, P-47D-30-RA, 44-33646, coded G9-A, and flown by 1LT John Platner of the 509 FS. He was a flight leader for the squadron. I included an image of his in the cockpit of KAT-SAS III. He was a “Jr” so I believe he went by his middle name, William.  

Thanks for the compliment. Yeah the engraving had me confused a little bit. I’m going to try to research the name. Hopefully something will come up. I thought I read here on the forum that there is a database that might be able to help me.

My grandfather was Robert T Cronau.  I recently posted these items individually to find out their worth.  Someone suggested I post together so I'm doing that as well.  My grandfather had a long history in the Army/Army Air Corps/Air Force.  He enlisted around 1917 and at various times around and during WWI  was a member of the 22nd Photo Section at Kelly Field and the 20th Bombardment Squadron stationed at Langley.  He retired, I believe in the 1950s-60s, as a Colonel in the Air Force.  The stack of pictures is about 4 inches deep with early planes, plane crashes, gunnery, aerial air corps fields, bombing results, the list is long. Lots of fodder for an early flight history buff.   The newspaper articles give background on the medal and the wingsI am going to need to downsize in the very near future so I am looking for some advice on how to proceed and a very rough estimate of worth.  I am not at all interested in selling any of the metal items for their scrap value.   1-Silver Wings, maybe custom? 2-Engraved Bombing medal 3-Air Show Trophy 4-Stack of early pictures from his days in the Photo Section

The last photo was taken in 1945 at Obersalzberg/Berchtesgaden     Photographer: William Vandivert Date: 1945 Location: Germany Credits: LIFE Magazine    

Love this post. Recent joined the forum and I am getting caught up to speed on all previous posts. I’m somewhat of a 405 FG / 509 FS historian— most recently I have been doing some research into the 509 FS activity on 25 March 1945, when their Squadron Leader, Maj. Robert M. Blackburn was shot down and killed.   1LT Leslie Thompson flew on the mission alongside a relative of mine for the 509 FS and 405 FG records indicate that he took credit for destroying 1/2 an airplane hanger while flying “The Virgin IV,” P47D-30-RA, 4433375, on the mission! He shared the claim with 1LT Milford D. Nelson who was also on the mission.   If anyone has additional photographs of the 509 FS or 405 FG that they would like to share, I would love to add them to my files! Don’t hesitate to reach out! Thanks for posting this grouping. Glad someone rescued and is keeping it well cared for.

I’m not suggesting selling it for melt I was merely showing the easiest way to determine how much 14K is worth.   Most gold buyers play a confusing game when you present them with scrap but if you know the weight and its value they can’t confuse you.    

Great pics, I love the 405 FG pilots. Thanks for sharing.

Not sure what it weighs but pretty sure it’s “badge value” exceeds melt value.