Winter 2026 Militaria & Collectibles Auction
Lot 241:
Description
WWII 1945 MG Benjamin W. Chidlaw 12th Air Force Letter & Patch. Overall, excellent condition. Information found on the internet: General Benjamin Wiley Chidlaw directed the development of the United States’ original jet engine and jet aircraft. Chidlaw was promoted to major in March 1940, to lieutenant colonel in September 1941, to colonel in March 1942, and to brigadier general in November 1942, while assigned to this duty in Washington. In March 1943, he was assigned to the Office of the Assistant Chief of Air Staff for Materiel in Washington. In that capacity he represented the Army Air Force on several joint Royal Air Force-Army Air Force technical missions in London. He went to the Mediterranean Theater in April 1944 as deputy commanding general of the 12th Tactical Air Command. Following the invasion of southern France he organized and commanded the 22nd Tactical Air Command in that theater. In March 1945 he took command of the Mediterranean Allied Tactical Air Forces and was promoted to major general the next month. Chidlaw returned to Wright Field in July 1945 as deputy commanding general for operations of what became Air Materiel Command. In October 1947, he became deputy commanding general of the command, with rank of lieutenant general, and full commander Sept. 1, 1949. On July 29, 1951, he received his fourth star and the command of Air Defense Command at Ent Air Force Base, Colo. He also became commander in chief of the joint service Continental Air Defense Command there Sept. 1, 1954, and he retired in that capacity May 31, 1955.
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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