Lot 3285

Five World War II U.S. Aviation Patches

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Five World War II U.S. Aviation Patches

Estimate: $2,500 - $4,000

Starting Bid: $1,800

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Five World War II U.S. Aviation Patches All patches are round, and embroidered construction unless noted. 1) 81st Bombardment Squadron patch, 4 3/4" diameter, featuring a charging goat. Activated in 1941, the 81st deployed to Egypt in 1942 to assist the British in their campaign against Rommel, participating in the Battle of Alam Halfa and the Second Battle of El Alamein, pivoting to support American ground forces once they arrived. They would later move to Sicily to support Allied action on the Italian mainland, and then to Calcutta to mount attacks in Burma and China. 2) 13th Air Corps Ferrying Squadron patch, 5" diameter, featuring a cupid-like figure with a combat helmet using an ATC "compass" as an arrow. The 13th was one of the squadrons flying the "Hump" India to China air route. 3) 19th Troop Carrier Squadron patch, 5" diameter, painted leather construction, featuring a plane flying over a Pacific Island sunset with "SOUTHERN CROSS/AIRWAYS" text. The 19th was primarily involved with troop movements in the Hawaiian islands and to forward bases in the Pacific. 4) 529th Bombardment Squadron patch, 5" diameter, with stereotypical "Indian Brave" carrying a bomber. Arriving in Australia in 1943, the 529th helped train Royal Australian Air Force crews on the B-24 Liberator bomber and mounted attacks in the East Indies, Bismarck Archipelago, and Borneo. Later, the squadron advanced to the Philippines to bomb Luzon, Formosa, and the Chinese coast. 5) 345th Bombardment Group patch, 4 3/4" diameter, with a stereotypical "war chief" head over "AIR APACHES". Moving to New Guinea in 1943, the 345th participated in both land bombing and sea interdiction, including receiving a Distinguished Unit Citation for action over Rabaul. Advancing into the Philippines and Iejima Island, the 345th was responsible for escorting the Japanese party responsible for settling the details of the surrender in Tokyo Bay on one leg of their journey to meet General MacArthur in Corregidor.

Manufacturer: None

Model: None

Class: Other

  • Provenance: The Putnam Green/Sycamore Collection
  • Condition: Fine overall, with minor wear and stains.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000