USAAF Uniform Grouping to Lt. Walter Gilbert

Description

World War 2 USAAF Uniform Grouping to Lt. Walter Gilbert from Clinton, Iowa who flew 30 missions in Italy for the 12th Air Force, 310th Group, 428th Bombardment Squadron. The 428th Bombardment Squadron was one of the squadrons of the 310th Bombardment Group. The squadron flew with North American B-25 Mitchell medium bombers.

The squadron engaged primarily in air support and interdiction in Tunisia, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, Italy and Southern France. Through May 1943, it also attacked shipping and harbor facilities to cut the logistics lines of the Afrika Corps.

On 27 August 1943, the squadron conducted a mission against marshalling yards in Benevento, Italy. Despite heavy antiaircraft artillery, it effectively bombed the target and destroyed several enemy interceptor aircraft making persistent attacks. For this action, it was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC). From August 1943 to the end of hostilities in the spring of 1945, it struck German lines of communication, bridges, rail lines, marshalling yards, viaducts, tunnels and road junctions in Italy. From January through June 1944, it gave air support to ground forces in the drive toward Rome. The squadron also engaged in psychological warfare missions, dropping propaganda leaflets behind enemy lines.

In August 1944, it supported Operation Dragoon, the invasion of southern France from its base in Ghisonaccia Airfield, Corsica. On 10 March 1945, the squadron maintained close formation in the face of severe antiaircraft fire in successfully attacking the railroad bridge at Ora, a vital link in the German supply line to Italy. For this action, it was awarded its second DUC. In April 1945, it moved to Italy and was inactivated in theater in September 1945.

The set is complete with his uniform jacket featuring a fantastic hand-embroidered 12th Air Force patch, trousers, shirt, tie, and overseas cap. The tunic is complete with label and dated May 1942. The set also includes a whole series of original aerial photographs taken during the missions Walter flew over Italy, showing bombing raids on tactical points in Northern Italy. A very interesting original set from a bomber crew member!