The John Bannister Collection - D-Day and Militaria
Lot 1008:
Description
Uniform Coat and trousers attributed to Major George Preddy Jr. “The Complete Fighter Pilot “ as General John C. Meyer was quoted about Preddy. He was considered to be the top Mustang Ace of the War, and was the leading active ace in the European theater of operations at the time of his death (December 25, 1944) during World War II.
Flew P-40 Warhawks with the 9th FS/49th FG in defense of Northern Australia. Seriously injured during a practice interception mission when another a/c collided with Preddy’s P-40 and he was sent to USA for recuperation. Flying with the 352nd Fighter Group, Preddy scored an impressive 26.83 aerial victories (23 of them earned in a P-51 Mustang). His dog-fighting abilities were unparalleled. Famously, on August 6, 1944, he shot down six German aircraft in a single day. He was that good! Killed on Christmas Day in 1944, he was shot down by friendly anti-aircraft fire while in pursuit of an enemy fighter.
“U.S.8TH Air Force Major’s Winter Service Coat complete with “Pinks” trousers. Major’s oak leaf insignia, matched pair, pin back (unmarked). US and Army Air Force lapel insignia w/double clutch back fasteners (some fasteners are mis-matched). Sewn on Pilot’s wings w/bullion thread on the top of the shield bullion. Pilot’s wing base is black felt. Five overseas stripes. Sewn on flat and flexible medal grouping. Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star Medal w/bronze oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross w/4 bronze oak leaf clusters, Air Medal w/2 bronze & 1 silver oak leaf cluster, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Service Medal, European-African Middle Eastern Campaign with 2 bronze stars. On the left side Army Presidential Unit Citation w2 bronze oak leaf clusters. 8th Air Force patch sewn on left shoulder. Jacket lining has makers tab below collar “ Worsted-tex “. Written in the lining of the right sleeve is “ G.E. PREDDY O430846 “ It was also crossed out at some point. The tunic was probably taken after his death (12/25/44) & his name x’d out. Dimensions: 33 in long x 19 in wide. Pants are Regulation Army Officers Trousers with a tag dated Aug 11 1942. Dimensions: 41 in long. The name “PITTMAN” written in ink on the interior of the right pocket. Button tab stamped twice inside faint black “P 5912 ”. No aspects of this coat and its insignia or trousers glow under UV light. Please see photos for condition.
Also included are 1) Several printed documents/images (six) off the internet highlighting various aspects of his short military career and legacy. 2) Scrapbook page featuring clipping of article announcing death of Maj. George W. Preddy and 4 panel comic strip of his career and demise. Page also features clippings from newspaper of Captain Donald Gentile photo and article blurb. A modern not affixed to this page makes reference to the ribbon bar style on the uniform. 3) Book: “ George Preddy Top Mustang Ace. The Complete Combat Biography of a 27-Victory Ace.” By Joe Noah and Saule L. Sox, Jr. Motorbooks International. 1991. 192 pages.
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