Militaria, Police, Watch & Disney Auction
Lot 225:
Description
William Birch (September 7, 1917-November 18, 2006) enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps on September 14, 1939, and after serving as an aircraft maintenance technician, he completed bombardier training. Sgt Birch was serving as a B-25 Mitchell bombardier with the 34th Bomb Squadron at Camp Pendleton, Oregon, when he was selected for the Doolittle Mission in February 1942. He served as the bombardier on the 11th B-25 to take off from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV-8) on April 18, 1942, and after bombing targets around Tokyo, the crew flew to China and bailed out when their aircraft ran out of fuel. After returning to the United States, Sgt Birch was accepted into the Aviation Cadet Program in June 1942, and was commissioned a 2d Lt and awarded his pilot wings in June 1943. He then completed B-24 Liberator training before serving as a B-24 instructor pilot in the United States until he left active duty on December 7, 1945. The approximate size is 8 x 10 inches. This signed photo is a copy of an actual period photo. The signature is original. Good overall condition.
Condition: See description for notes on condition. Please note that all items are sold as is without returns, so please ask questions in advance of bidding.
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