WW2 US 9th AAF Bullion Patch . USP1308

United States WW2 9th Army Air Force (AAF) bullion shoulder sleeve insignia (patch). Nice bullion work with a good look to this patch. Worn condition.

Additional Notes: The U.S. Army had two army air corps based in Great Britain, with operations after D-Day expected on the continent. The 9th was the tactical air force, trained and equipped to support Allied ground forces. Originally established and based in northwest Africa, the 9th moved to England in August of 1943 and built up to its June of 1944 strength of 45 groups deployed in 11 combat wings.

The 9th’s 18 fighter groups (plus 2 reconnaissance groups) operated under the 9th and 19th Tactical Air Commands, with three and two wings, respectively. Probably the most influential tactical air commander was Maj. Gen. Quesada of the 9th TAC. At the time of D-Day by far the most widely flown fighter was the P-47, which was extremely well suited to the fighter-bomber role. 13 groups flew Thunderbolts, while 3 were equipped with Lockheed P-38s and 2 with P-51s. A photo group and a tactical reconnaissance group flew ‘‘recce’’ versions of the P-38 and P-51, the F-5 and F-6, respectively.

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