Identified P-38 9th Recon Squadron Uniform Grouping – SOLD

Description

The 9th Photographic Squadron began its history in 1942. Its first assignment was flying reconnaissance over the Atlantic and Newfoundland shipping lanes, scouting for enemy submarines, and monitoring Allied convoys. In October of 1943, the squadron was ordered to the CBI, being then assigned to the 10th AAF, flying missions over Burma, China, and Thailand using P-51 Mustangs, and later receiving the P-38 Lightnings. In November of that same year the 9th was re-designated the 9th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron.  

Captain Joseph Vargo joined the unit in early 1944, and flew from several airfields in Burma, and again moved with the entire squadron to a newly captured field at Myitkyina, in northern Burma in December of ’44. This airfield, town and area had just recently been captured by the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional), more famously known as Merrill’s Marauders. Vargo and the squadron spend the next five months at that location. From this base, the 9th PRS few missions in Southeast Asia, providing valuable intelligence for Allied Forces in the Theatre.

Captain Vargo had flew 92 air recon missions deep into Japanese held central Burma, and like all the pilots in the squadron, flew their fighter aircraft without being armed with guns, relying on their stealth, and speed to get them back safely.  It’s hard to image pilots being asked to fly missions deep into enemy occupied territory, then being told you will not have any weapons for protection.  That lack of weight from guns and ammunition, was a key element in escaping enemy aircraft. 

This grouping consists of:

• Modified ’42 service dress coat into an Ike jacket. Tailor made coat with additional label inside breast pocket with Vargo’s name written in ink. Joseph Vargo himself had his picture taken holding this and his crusher cap. There are a few very small areas of moth tracking, and hardly visible.  Theater made CBI and USAAF patches, all original insignia and ribbon bars. (some of the insignia had lost clutches, and Vargo, apparently not having replacements bent some of the prongs over to keep insignia in place).  Sterling marked clutch back pilot wings, no maker hallmark (STERLING marked within hollow shield area with nice patina.)
• Crusher cap (a true crusher).  Has a nice salty look.  Stitching coming loose in front with loose visor (4″), and front part of the sweatband. Maker label DUNLAP / New York / SUPERIOR. On form the stitching is not a problem and hat exhibits well.
• Shirt & tie
• Dog tags, with religious medal on chain
• Photo ID badge
• Cigarette lighter with CBI unit insignia, and his initials engraved on it. The CBI insignia has some enamel loose.
• Photos of his plane, other planes and members of the unit.  Photo include wrecked planes at Myitkyina, etc., plane parts strewn about, planes in flight, bivouac areas near landing strip, a few 8×10 photos of pilots standing on and around a P-38., hand full of smaller snap shots (P-51, B-17, early helicopter, mechanic on his plane, etc. (approximately 25 images).
• Vargo’s boxed Air Medal
• Unit publications (2) of LIGHTNING STRIKES, one complete, and partial that Vargo kept relating to his service.
• Copy of a illustration that appeared in a local newspaper about Vargo.