United States. A Unique Lot Of Wings And Coins Sweetheart Bracelets And Japanese Occupation Note Of Corporal Henderson’s Air Force Service, 1944

A bracelet consisting of a basic aircrew badge, reverse engraved R.P HENDERSON 15085085 5TH AF U.S.A.A.F., connected to four coins from the Philippines, New Guinea, Dutch Indies and Japan, clasp engraved 387SQ 312 GP., all coins have been domed and punched for linking, the connecting pieces between the two coins on each side is a small crest, exhibiting great attention to detail, overall this bracelet measures 188mm in length, weighing 38.1grams, dark patina, wear to coins, a very unique and personal momento in very fine condition.

A smaller bracelet featuring an altered combat observer wing made by K.G Luke, Australia, connected to Australian coins of three and six pence that have been domed and punched, the closing link a crest, the bracelet measures 139mm in total length, weighs 24.5 grams, wear to silver and coins, a lovely creation in very fine condition.

Dog tag, in white metal, impressed R.P. HENDERSON/ 15085085 TFF 0 / P, measures 50mm (w) x 28mm (h), connected to a bead link ring, light wear, in very fine condition.

A rock talisman, white and orange, with unique carvings on the obverse, measures 51mm (w) x 57mm (h), weighs 13.9grams, showing a previous crack that has been repaired, in very fine condition.

A Japanese Occupation Note, contained in plastic, edges have a glue residue, In overall very fine condition. With typed additions: Cpl Richard P. Henderson / Jan. 5, 1942 15085085 / U.S Army Air Corps. /404th School Sqdn. / 421th School Sqdn. /Douglas Factory School Sqdn. / 302nd Bomb. Sqdn. 84th Bomb Group / 387th Bomb. Sqdn. 312th Bomb. Group (Roaren 20’s) / 319th Bomb. Sqdn. 90th Bomb. Group (Jolly Rodgers)

The reverse states Henderson’s station locations:

Ft. Hen Harrison Ind/ Sheppard Field, Texas/ Santa Monica, Cal. / Savannah, Ca. / DeRidder, La. / Rice, Cal. / Thermal, Cal. / Salines, Cal. / Camp Stoneman Cal., P.O.E. / Nieu Amsterdam, Dutch Ship / San Francisco, Cal. Sailed 11/1/43 / Wellington New Zealand / Sydney Australia / Warwick Farms Australia / Brisbane Australia / Towneville Australia / Port Morsbey New Guinea / Gusap New Guinea / Lae New Guinea / Nadzab New Guinea / Hollandia Dutch New Guinea / Camp Mckay Australia

Footnote: Born 1919 in Ohio, Henderson enlisted after attending one year of college and working as a semiskilled mechanic and repairman. He enlisted with the Air Corps on January 8, 1842 at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana. He trained in the 404th school squadron, 421th school squadron, and the Douglas Factory School Squadron. He sailed from San Francisco in November 1 1943 to Wellington, New Zealand.

In January 1944, he was admitted to the hospital with Dengue fever, caught while one duty. In June 1944, Henderson was admitted to hospital for bronchitis and a stye in his eye. He was discharged later that month. Once again, he was admitted to the hospital in January 1945 for a strain in his sacro-iliac and lumbo-sacral. He was discharged the following month. Finally, Henderson was admitted to the hospital in July 1945 for infectious hepatitis (catarrhal jaundice). He was released the following month.

The 312th Bomb Group, often referred to as the “Roaring 20s,” operated primarily in the Southwest Pacific Theatre as an A-20 Havoc light bomber unit assigned to Fifth Air Force. It received a Distinguished Unit Citation for its combat in New Guinea, the Western Pacific, Leyte and Luzon. The 387th Bomb Squadron was assigned to the 312 Bomb Group from March 1942 until January 1946. It was stationed in DeRidder Army Base, Louisiana (February 1943); Rice Army Field, California (April 1943); Salinas Army Air Base, California (August – October 1943); Port Moresby, New Guinea (December 1943); Gusap, New Guinea, (December 1943); Nadzab, New Guinea (June 1944); and Hollandia, Netherland East Indies (July 1944).

The 90th Bombardment Group was established on January 28 1942 and activated on April 15 of the same year. It was redesignated 90th Bombardment Group Heavy, on August 20 1943. The Group was inactive on September 6 1948.