Description:

JUMP JACKET, WARTIME LETTERS AND RECORDS OF S/SGT. ALBERT A. ACHENBACH
A fine grouping of material from Pennsylvania native and S/Sgt. Albert A. Achenbach, 99th Troop Carrier Squadron of the 441st Troop Carrier Group. The 441st was a C-47 Skytrain transport unit assigned to Ninth Air Forces and it had the important duty of flying combat paratroopers on airborne assaults on Normandy, Southern France, Holland (Operation Market-Garden ), and Germany. It also flew combat resupply missions in the relief of Bastogne in 1945. Achenbach's correspondence indicates that he certainly flew on these aircraft, and earlier worked as a crew chief. One letter indicates that he hoped to take command of his own aircraft, which he may have done. Included in this grouping is Achenbach's khaki canvas jump jacket with belt, ink marked "2564" within. There are four snap-closure pockets with sleeves which also close with two snaps at the wrist. Left sleeve bears a 2nd Army patch, while the right sleeve bears a First Allied Airborne patch, dating the jacket between August 2, 1944 and the end of the war. Also included: miniature sterling cadet and pilot wings, two 441st Troop Carrier chest patches, one original, six dog tags, CIB with Oak Leaves, five divisional and other patches, ribbon bar, brass insignia, about 70 war-date letters to his wife, 1943 Army gun case, his non-regulation brief case and regulation garment bag, and a large volume of paperwork concerning his career in the Army which extended into the 1960s. The jacket is in excellent condition, as is most of the balance of the lot.

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September 9, 2014 11:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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