I know this is a question having to do with USAF (gasp) and isnt really the right place, but I have posted here before and got good answers so I am hoping to keep that going by finding out something.
My grandfather (who I never met) was a USAF pilot from about 1925-1970 or something along those lines, he stayed reserve until he passed away to my understanding.
Name: John Phillip Ertel
O5 Lt. Col.
Distinguished Flying Cross
Air Medal
Korean War
WWII
Asiatic Campaign Medal
His wings are Command Pilots wings.
With that given, I have no clue what a square patch in the bag of medals I have is. It appears to be either a faded dark navy blue, faded brown, or faded black background, with yellow/gold stiching around the border. In the center is a circle (same stitching), inside is a CG and an A beneath it. Going between the CG and over the A appears to be a large J. I have no clue at all and looked all over the internet with no success as to what the patch is for.
The only other information I was going to try to look into is... my understanding is he flew the Hump, and was shot down. In the process broke his foot, and walked out 10 days to safety. So maybe there is a way I can find out information about that stuff as well?
His children (my parents included) have very little, if any interest in this stuff, which is why their information is somewhat vague, and why I am for the most part just now hearing about all of this. Any help is appreciated.
My grandfather (who I never met) was a USAF pilot from about 1925-1970 or something along those lines, he stayed reserve until he passed away to my understanding.
Name: John Phillip Ertel
O5 Lt. Col.
Distinguished Flying Cross
Air Medal
Korean War
WWII
Asiatic Campaign Medal
His wings are Command Pilots wings.
With that given, I have no clue what a square patch in the bag of medals I have is. It appears to be either a faded dark navy blue, faded brown, or faded black background, with yellow/gold stiching around the border. In the center is a circle (same stitching), inside is a CG and an A beneath it. Going between the CG and over the A appears to be a large J. I have no clue at all and looked all over the internet with no success as to what the patch is for.
The only other information I was going to try to look into is... my understanding is he flew the Hump, and was shot down. In the process broke his foot, and walked out 10 days to safety. So maybe there is a way I can find out information about that stuff as well?
His children (my parents included) have very little, if any interest in this stuff, which is why their information is somewhat vague, and why I am for the most part just now hearing about all of this. Any help is appreciated.
