If you look at some of the past threads where we posted examples of the (ca pre-1924) Link and 1925 AMCRAFT catalog, the actual catalog numbers on the 1942 Gemsco catalog match up.   For example, the small wings match exactly as with some of the Naval Aviator wings. One could imagine some variation in catalog/stock numbering, but the similarities are pretty similar.  Also, the wings from the earlier categories were offered in various finishes (silver, gilt, with enamel, rhodium, etc).    I suspect that GEMSCO was just acting as a retail seller and had these items in its catalog, to the extent that it used similar stock numbers as AMCRAFT did.   If someone had some time and better scans, they could probably match up many items with their catalog stock numbers from the two companies (I think some more contemporary catalogs from other pilot supply companies from the 40's show the same AMCRAFT wings with similar catalog numbers).  I think that the photographic evidence for the "tri-tiered" wings being worn is that they seem to show up right around the  1940-1941 time period (give or take a few years), so its not surprising that they don't show up in the earlier AMCRAFT and Link catalog (Link seems to have stopped making insignia right around the end of WWI in any case).    

Here's one that's superimposed over a First Army patch.

RAELAND...              Short of visiting the National Archives yourself (and reinventing the wheel with the attendant expenses), you've got a couple of options:      1.  Submit a request to the National Archives yourself (there is an option for that at their website)           ...or...  2.  Hire a professional researcher.         I've personally gone both routes and recommend the second.      The results of submitting my own request directly to the NA were adequate but took forever; I wouldn't recommend that route especially in these days of government downsizing. Unless you enjoy watching grass grow hire a pro. Periodically you'll see advertisements for researchers at the bottom of USMF pages but also, (when logged into USMF) you can go to:           Home/Collection Assistance/Individual And Unit Research/  (then scroll down thru  the posts. Links to the NA and researchers are there)        The professional researcher route has the added benefit in that you don't know the full extent of what else may be available:  as a minimum you'll want his personnel file but there may also be other documents of interest (muster rolls, pension documents etc ). A knowledgeable researcher will know what you want (even if you don't) and how to find it and get it. If I'm not mistaken the CW records are in DC so that researcher would have to know the ropes there.            This is interesting stuff. If you do, initially, just go for the personnel file think about posting, at least, the receipt here:  you've got a captive audience clamoring for more.         Best of luck    .......   Jim T

Rick, Shoot me an email and I will walk you through it if you want! S/f Maddox

Thanks!

I just picked these up.  Sorry it's side ways.  They are 2 1/2 inches long. The paperwork that was with them was dated 1944? Also had a Ft. Benning pass? Sweetheart pin?

Hello Is this a WW2 era Badge?  Can anyone identify the maker of the rifle bar?  Both are marked Sterling. Thank you              

That's a P44 jacket

Greetings all,   Picked up this grouping from a friend but once I got it home found a dlname on the back of the pilots wings. The wings belonged to John (Jake) Leroy Weber. The web provides:   "Graduate in the United States Military Academy's January 1943 Class. In December 1943, he entered combat and flew B-24 Liberators as aircraft commander and operations officer in the 458th Bomb Group of the Eighth Air Force. Later, he served with the 2nd Air Division Scout Force at Steepleb Morden and flew P-51 Mustangs ahead of the bombers. Recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross (3) and Air Medal (7). Preceded in death by his wife, June; and his parents, John and Evelyn Weber."   In addition to the wings, there are navy and marine, army, artillery,items. Not sure how these all fit together. There is also a WW2 ribbon bar with a silver star ribbon.  Couldn't find any reference to the pilots service. The ribbon bar doesn't reflect the multiple DFC and  AM awards so assuming could have belonged to another family member. Perhaps who was in the 414 filed artillery.    Sorry for for the quality of the pictures   Would appreciate any.comments or input to this research in process.    Thanks