Bidspirit auction | WWII USAAF Snooper Squadron Flight

WWII USAAF Snooper Squadron Flight Eng. Uniform - ”The Snoopers” were a squadron who were trained to use the most sophisticated radar equipment of the day. Their function was to fly night time harassment and search and destroy missions. Their work was labeled ”Secret” and they flew black planes. Their formal designation changed several times, but informally, they were known as ”The Snoopers” SGT Charles Bespole was a Flight Engineer in this unit of the 394th Bomb Group, 13th Air Force Pacific Theatre. The consigner received the uniform directly from the son of the ”Snooper” Group includes: Coat, wool, service. Dated 1942. Size 38L The Thirteenth Air Force patch is a modern addition to the coat. The ”Snooper” shoulder patch looks to be original to the coat. The ”S” of the patch glows, and was likely a replacement. The background of the patch does not glow. TSGT stripes on each sleeve. 1 yr. combat service and 3 yrs. overall service stripes on left sleeve cuff. US and Army Air Service collar discs. Ribbon bars on chest: Asiatic Pacific w/4 campaign stars; American campaign w/1 star; Good conduct medal; 2 Air Medals. One has 4 bronze OLC and the newer ribbon has 1 silver and 2 bronze OLC. Hanging below are two Air Medals and a WWII Victory Medal. Full size Flight Engineer wings pinned above all. The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation pinned to right chest. Shirt, cotton. With Air Service insignia and VFW Post 5036 (St Charles, IL) on lapels. TSGT stripes on each sleeve, and US Constabulary patch on left shoulder. Garrison cap, wool, Air Service pinback insignia. Ultramarine/orange piping on cap. Khaki necktie. Leather coat belt with brass buckle. Pair of dog tags WWII Style 3 (March 1944 to April 1946) for ”Bespole, Charles R. 16036632 T42 42 A” 2nd dog tag has mistyped last name ”Bishop” All other information is the same. Book, ”The Snoopers” by Fred Stanley Howell. Inscribed by author on inside. Five 8”x10” frames of 2 displays and 3 ”Snooper” crew photos. Blue plastic folder containing associated photocopies and other papers associated with the individual and unit..