B-26 pilot medal grouping and A2 jacket

B-26 pilot medal grouping and A2 jacket

Code: 10160

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A fine wartime grouping to a B-26 Marauder pilot, H.A. Kowalski. He enlisted to the usaaf 7/8/1941. After passing his pilots course and being awarded his wings he was promoted to second lieutenant. On 4/8/1943 he was shipped out to England, being assigned to 3rd bomber wing, 8th air force, 322nd bomb group, 450th bomb squadron, Andrews field, Essex, England. On 16/10/1943 the wing/bomb group was transferred to the 9th air force.

During the period 21/8/1943 to 5/7/1944 Lt. Kowalski flew an incredible total of 68 combat missions over France, Belgium and Holland in their usual B-26 Marauder 'Lil Cajup'. He was awarded the distinguished flying cross with oak leaf cluster, the air medal with eleven oak leaf clusters, the distinguished unit citation and the European theater of operations ribbon with two battle stars for action in the air offensive europe and normandy air campaigns. Lt. Kowalski was promoted to first lieutenant 25/2/1944.

Following the completion of his tour of european duty, Lt. Kowalski returned to the states, where he was assigned to the 553 base unit, 3rd ferrying group, air transport command. He completed training as co-pilot on C-54 aircraft. In January 1945 he was assigned to 26 squadron where he flew numerous missions in the Asia Pacific theater, returning wounded service personnel to the US. He was relieved from active service duty on 12/10/1945. Included with the group is a brief service history of Lt. Kowalski but more research is needed.

With the group are - His medals, flying badges, wings and insignia, medal ribbons, identity tags, cap badge. His named A2 leather flying jacket with working zip, A2 label, collar studs & hook etc (in need of some repair to knitted band and cuffs and top of zip) his original large service record file with many original wartime documents, original cadet pilot training issued book with many photos and original signatures added, original photos of him as a cadet and in later life in full uniform and of B-26, etc....please check out the photographs of the group.