USAAF Superhero; research help please
Good day Ladies & Gentlemen,
I present for you today a small, but remarkable, grouping that I acquired in the good ol’ days of ebay (when you could still trust most things you saw!), and wonder if any of you ‘researching ferrets’ could add anything to the lovely bones of this tunic.
Thus far, I know that:
John Earl Ivy was born on 9th May 1923, living in the ‘U.S. at large’ (whatever that means; perhaps a travelling man?), and was a semi-skilled machinist.
He enlisted at Evansville, Indiana, on 17th January 1943 (shortly before his 20th birthday).
Service Number: 35722932
As Technical Sergeant (2nd Grade), and Engineering Specialist, he served as an Aerial Gunner in the ETO. The presence of an Aerial Gunners’ wings, rather than Flight Engineer (top turret), suggests that he did not serve in this latter role. The British-made SSI might indicate that he was stationed over here (in Blighty), as a bomber crewman, though may have merely ‘passed through’ on his way to the Mediterranean Theatre.
His medal ribbons bear witness to an incredible career; The Distinguished Flying Cross, four Air Medals, and the ETO Service Medal with two bronze stars (denoting participation in specific campaigns or outstanding personal actions).
I would very much like to know (and record) everything I can about Sgt. Ivy’s outstanding service and gratefully welcome all and any information that you can find, particularly regarding his unit, station and service, as well as his personal actions which earned those medals (I imagine a citation exists somewhere, regarding the DFC, at least, though have been unsuccessful in locating such).
I have been unable to identify the significance of the single, silver wire strip to his left cuff (the gold-yellow overseas service strips being officially worn on the right cuff), and wonder if anyone can explain its presence here.
His trousers bear some heavy soiling, both mud and grease, which may suggest that these were his ‘working’ pair, rather than best. The penned-in location of the Red Cross chapter, in the knitted sweater, is now virtually washed away.
The jacket and trousers bear some odd numeral markings (a well-worn laundry number remains in the collar, but is difficult to photograph). I am unfamiliar with the exact meaning of such numerals, with suffix, but have seen similar on other AAF items.
I look forward to hearing anything you are able to add to Sgt. Ivy’s story...
My sincerest thanks, as ever,
Bob
.
by Rakkasan187
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