Remarkable archive from the career of Major General John C. Giraudo (1923-1996), an Air Force pilot who served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War; he was shot down and captured as a prisoner of war in both WWII and Korea. Future astronaut John Glenn was flying as his wingman when Giraudo was shot down over Sinuiju in June 1953, an episode discussed at length in Glenn's memoir; he tried to coordinate a rescue attempt, but the team did not arrive before he ran out of fuel. Giraudo was repatriated four months later during Operation Big Switch.
The collection is highlighted by his leather bomber jacket, covered with patches on the front and back. In addition to his white-on-blue nameplate, "Giraudo," there are patches for US Air force, 17th Air Force, 49th Fighter Wing, 355th Fighter Wing, Republic F-105 Thunderchief, Phantom, USAFE 32 Tactical Fighter Squadron, 26th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, F-111 Harvest Reaper, River Rats, Eagle Driver, US Air Forces in Europe, 526 Tactical Fighter Squadron, UH-1N, 52nd Tactical Fighter Wing, 36th Tactical Airlift Squadron, A-7D Big D, 17th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 25th Fighter Squadron, USAF Fighter Weapons School, 39th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, USAFE Weapons Center, 3595th Combat Crew Training Group, 8th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 9th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 199th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 954th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 333rd Fighter Squadron, 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron, and others.
Also includes: his fine red silk scarf featuring the embroidered emblem of the 25th Fighter Squadron, encircled by "John C. Giraudo, Commanding"; two dog tags; his USAF Command Pilot Badge; four vintage photographs showing Giraudo; a 726-page "US Air Force Oral History Interview" transcript; and a handwritten letter of provenance from his stepson, in part: "This United States Air Force jacket & scarf belonged to my stepfather Gen. John C. Giraudo. He passed away and would want to share these artifacts with someone who will enjoy them as much as I have. He was a real war hero and fought in all three wars and a P.O.W. in two of them. The scarf and jacket was worn while on missions." In very good to fine condition, with expected wear, flaking, and some small holes to jacket.
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