LOT #47043 |
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Forty-Eighth Fighter Bomber Group Flag. Circa 1943-1953....
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Sold on Dec 1, 2022 for:
$6,250.00
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Description
Vulneratus Non Victus
Forty-Eighth Fighter Bomber Group Flag. Circa
1943-1953. 35.5 x 50 inches (90.17 x 127 cm), 2.5 inch (6.4 cm)
gold tasseled trim to the three fly edges. Featuring a centered
American heraldic eagle on a navy field, altered with the motto and
crest of the 48th Fighter Group, over a decorative banner titled
"Forty-Eighth Fighter Bomber Group".This Air Force unit, first activated as the 48th Bombardment Group (Light), was initially composed of four flying squadrons and served as a combat training unit based out of Savannah, Georgia. Their unit was moved several times across southern states; while stationed at Key Field, Mississippi, in 1943, they were re-designated the "48th Fighter-Bomber Group" and their four flying squadrons renamed. Shortly after this name change, the group was taken off training initiatives and became an operational unit. Their subsequent missions would include U.S. coastal patrols and a long-anticipated relocation to Europe in early 1944, where they trained extensively in highly-technical aviation combat maneuvers and ran sweeps of occupied territory.
Their extensive training, practice missions, and observations all lead to a major campaign against the German forces in Normandy. On June 6, 1944, the 48th saw action in France, dropping bombs on bridges, gun positions, and rail lines, managing escorts, and providing weather and scout reports. Reportedly, the 48th dropped nearly 500 tons of bombs and fired over 160,000 rounds over the course of the Normandy Campaign. The 48th honored their motto, Vulneratus Non Victus (Unconquered even though Wounded), and went on to continued acclaimed service throughout France and Germany, often flying in poor weather and under heavy enemy fire, earning a Distinguished Unit Citation, several Belgian service citations in support of ground troops, and a fierce reputation. The squadron was temporarily inactivated following WWII, but returned under a new name for both the Cold War and Middle East deployments in the 90s and remains in service today, stationed at RAF Lakenheath, England.
Condition: Light scattered soiling. Three vertical sections to the navy field right of the eagle presenting wear and soiling with minor losses to fabric. 2.5-inch closed tear to the top seam of the hoist.
References: Maurer, M. Air Force Combat Units of World War II, pages 106-108. From the Melvin "Pete" Mark, Jr. Collection
Auction Info
2022 December 1 Historical Platinum Session Signature® Auction #6267 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2022
1st
Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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