A-077 Uniform/Accessories lot belonging to WWII U.S. Glider Pilot 2nd Lt. William J. Szabelski, of the 78th Troop Carrier Squadron, 435th Troop Carrier Group. Szabelski flew one of the twelve gliders of "Elmira Mission" that landed near St. Mere Eglise at 2305 D-Day, June 6, 1944. Included are: (1) Army Officer's M1942 four-pocket OD tunic. Embroidered "AIRBORNE/TROOP CARRIER" shoulder patch, Glider Pilot Wings, ribbon bar (Air Medal with two palms and a European Theater ribbon with an arrowhead and three stars), Presidential Citation, 2nd Lt. bars and "US" and winged prop collar devices. Also three overseas bars. (2) Officer's "Ike" jacket with silk embroidered 9th AAF shoulder patch, 2nd Lt. bars and "US" and winged prop collar insignia. (3) OD Officer's shirt and "pink" trousers (some stains). (4) OD Officer's shirt and "pink" trousers (named) and neck tie. (5) Officer's OD trousers and a "pink" tailored shirt. (6) Two tan shirts (some stains). (7) OD zippered, padded jacket. Simulated bearskin collar, knit waist band and cuffs. Small size. (8) Enlisted Man's peaked cap. Sides indented from earphones (subject entered service as a Private). (9) Army Officer's "crusher" cap. Underside of brim is ink marked "WJ Szabelski" and his serial number. The cap shows the wear expected as well as indentations from earphones. Internally the logo marked sweatband and liner show the effects of being worn. A salty historical cap. (10) Leather pilot's helmet. Fleece lined interior and chinstrap. Sturdy iron framed/rubber foam lined goggles - with a wide elastic strap. Shows some use. (11) Government issued "LOAD ADJUSTER". With leather carrying case. I.D. card reads: "AIRPLANE SERIAL NO. 43-40296" and model "CG-4A Glider". (12) Medals/insignia: Air Medal - cased (unnamed), Glider Pilot Wings -clutch back, "STERLING" Glider Wings - curved to form a chained bracelet, enameled 9th AAF collar badge, five pairs of 2nd Lt. bars. (13) Embroidered insignia: "AIRBORNE - TROOP CARRIER", two 9th AAF with "AIRBORNE" flash, "AOPA" wings, four o'seas bars, medal bar ribbons, leather jacket name tag and miscellaneous. (14) Miscellaneous: four sets of dog tags, name "Bill" on I.D. bracelet, "First Communion" prayer book in Polish "Army Song Book", religious medals and grouping of keys. (15) Letter testifying to the competence of flying an aircraft by an officer witnessing Szabelski's training. Also with a graduation of glider pilots from an Army flying school dated March 15, 1943. (16) History of the "435th Troop Carrier Group - 9th Troop Carrier Command". Printed in 1946. Yearbook type publication with many photos of the members of the component squadrons including the 78th of which Lt. Szabelski was a member. (17) 1986 reunion booklet of the WWII Glider Pilot's Association and the 1997 membership roster. A rare D-Day grouping. Overall II.

See description for I-III scale (I=mint, III=poor)