Description:

'ZEMKE'S WOLFPACK' PILOT'S PHOTO, DOCUMENT, AND INSIGNIA GROUPING
A superlative grouping of material from the estate of Lt. JOHN A. WOODWARD (1919-1995), a pilot member of the famous the 56th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force which accumulated over 1,000 kills in the skies of Europe in the latter part of World War II. The group, headed by Hubert 'Hub' Zemke (1914-1994), who would be captured during the war, would come to be known as 'Zemke's Wolf Pack'. Woodward, known as 'Woody' to his comrades, enlisted in the AAF in 1943 and received his flight training at Mitchel and Souther air fields. Sent overseas, he was attached to the 62nd Fighter Squadron in Zemke's 56th Fighter Group. There are 43 original wartime photographs of various sizes present, including portraits (candid and posed) of Woodward, a group photo of the officers of the 56th, their quarters in the U.K., aerial photos of burning targets taken on April 13, 1945, photos of pilots in their aircraft, a wrecked transport aircraft, Woodward's previous bomber and crew, etc. B-17s being escorted by P-47s, etc., the men while at ease, etc., along with several postwar photos showing Woodward while employed in the Fifties with IBM. Also present is a good deal of insignia belonging to Woodward: two sets of sterling pilot's wings; a silver engraved identity bracelet; a very worn AAF ring, which Woodward undoubtedly wore his entire life; a Cetlic cross on a string lanyard; an emergency escape compass on cotton neck ribbon; four sets of lieutenant's bars; three 'U.S.' collar insignia, one pilot's collar device; an aerial gunner qualification badge; 'ruptured duck' patch, and a few other minor keepsakes. Three large maps are also present, undoubtedly used during Woodward's service. These include: a map of southern England and western Ireland, approx.28 x 32 in. (trimmed), backed with thin cloth with tack holes in the corners and folds, marked 'ARMY/AIR STYLE' and printed 1944 or later, other information trimmed away; a 24 x 34 in. map issued by the British War Office, 1943, showing East Anglia where Woodward would have been based, marked '2nd War Revision' and bearing tape stain at the top where it would have been affixed to a wall or board; and a 34 x 30 in. rayon escape map showing parts of Germany, its protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary, the evrso showing Croatia, Montenegro, Hungary, Italy, Switzerland, etc., no issuing information for obvious reasons but indicating manufacture ca. September, 1943; Woodward's Apr. 9, 1945 diploma showing completion of 'advanced fighter training', signed by AAF Brig. Gen. JOHN R. HAWKINS (1899-1947), Chief of Staff, XII Air Support Command, and Chief of Staff, XII Air Service Command. He was named to command the 64th Fighter Wing in North Africa until April 1944, when he became Commanding General, I Fighter Command, Mitchel Field, New York; Woodward's Instrument Pilot Certificate; 56th Fighter Group Association membership card; and invitation to his graduation from flight training. Additionally, there is included two copies of 'Preflight', issued to the 'Class of 43-K' pre-flight School at Maxwell Field, Al., May, 1943, approx. 50pp. 4to., one copy signed by about 60 of Woodward's fellow pilot trainees; Tyndall Field Army Air Forces Traing Command yearbook, 1943, showing Woodward within as a Second Lieutenant and Aerial Gunnery Pilot; and an 8 x 10 in. portrait photo of Woodward in uniform. A rare and very complete grouping, in excellent condition.

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June 14, 2023 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$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 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000