Named WWII 5th Air Force Aviation Mechanic Group

The group is comprised of the two uniforms and three unit patches of T.R. Snyder, an aviation mechanic with the 482nd Service Squadron of the 56th Service Group, 5th Air Force. Both uniforms have Snyder’s name and service number written inside of them. The group also includes several photographs and Snyder’s “Feather Weight” private purchase crusher visor cap. The group contains a four pocket tunic with an interior Quartermaster tag dated 1940, size 36 Extra Long, with wool trousers bearing a Quartermaster tag dated 1942, size 29 by 31. The tunic carries a wool Army Air Force shoulder patch and stripes for a Private First Class. There is also an Ike jacket, size 34 Regular, with Army Air Force and 5th Air Force shoulder patches. The trousers have an interior tag dated 1945. Both of the jackets have the Army Air Force Air Mechanic specialty patch on the lower right sleeve. There are two large painted leather flight jacket squadron patches, 5 inches in diameter as well as a smaller painted squadron patch in 3 inches diameter. The visor cap is a very high quality gabardine wool, being a private purchase “Feather Weight” cap from which Snyder removed the stiffening in the crown to create the distinctive “50 Mission Crush” look. The leather patches are in excellent condition, one of which has Snyder’s name and unit designation written on the reverse. Both uniforms and the cap are exceptionally clean and free of spots, stains or holes.