"Flying Tigers" pilot uniform?

[ObKrieger]

Hey guys,

I was in an antique store today and found a bunch of cool items. Sorry for the poor pics, my phone isn't the best camera.

Here are the details of this set:

4-pocket tunic, wool shirt, pants, and belt
Everything with a legible date is pre-1941.
Master Sergeant stripes on both sides, bullion "Tigers" patch on right sleeve, and star with a parachute patch on the left sleeve.
Sterling Silver wings and 3-place ribbon bar
Bullion air force patch and CBI patch found in front pocket.

For some reason, instead of a Pacific Campaign ribbon, he has a European Campaign ribbon with one star. Any ideas why?

The shop owner wants $250 for the set. That seems like a pretty good deal to me, especially considering the extra patches.

What do you all think?

Mo

[Walkwolf]

Not a pilot, but Aircrew. ( There were 'Flying Sergeants', but the Army Air Force
made them Warrant Officers - with blue bar insignia ) I think it is a mixed
group. There are no patches or such from the European campaign,
although the war may have ended before he was assigned,
but he still qualified for the medal.

As an aircrew member, he would have performed a specific function, and there
should be a blue triangular specialist patch on a lower sleeve, or a
qualification badge on the pocket flap under the ribbon bar.

The 4th Air Force was a Stateside unit, based on the west coast I believe,
and the 'rays' on the patch represent 4 searchlight beams holding aloft
the winged star.

I can't see the patch on the right shoulder, and I do not know how the
CBI or Flying Tiger patches tie in to the coat. It's also possible that
the wings and patch could have been added to boost the price.

[Walkwolf]

...

[ObKrieger]

The patch on the right shoulder is the 'flying tiger' shown in the last pic. I went back there today. Apparently it came straight from the vet and the owner of the shop can provide contact details. He had another uniform item, an Ike jacket, that belonged to the same guy, although it had a bullion 14th AF patch on it. I remember reading somewhere that there was some kind of merger or transfer between these two units; Perhaps that explains it?

I'll try to get the contact info. Perhaps I can figure this whole thing out.

[Walkwolf]

I do not see the patch on the jacket above the last photo.

If he spent enough time in the Pacific theater, there
should be a medal ribbon for that area.

Strange.........

[ObKrieger]

I do not see the patch on the jacket above the last photo.

If he spent enough time in the Pacific theater, there
should be a medal ribbon for that area.

Strange.........

It's there, just farther back. I am thinking the same thing about the lack of the Pacific ribbon. Perhaps pictures of his other uniform would help.

[Franz1944]

The last patch (tiger) can be explained as symbol of the 14th air force (not flying tigers). The famed flying tigers veterans that were over there frist, that were on contract with China's goverment. After contract was up most went back to the states because they wernt going to get paid as much as they use to being aviators.

Tigers were disbaned in 1942. He could be the replacments to the others that left china or just increase in the size of the airforce in china.

[Walkwolf]

Could be, but if he served in the Pacific, there should be a ribbon to signify this,
and not a European Theater ribbon - plus, the 14th AF patch is sewn on
incorrectly - ie: in the wrong position.........