There were approximately 6000 individuals who were trained as glider pilots during WWII for one-way missions into enemy territory. Sylvan Ralph Lucier was one of these brave men, and was killed in the line of duty during a training accident. This website collects his family's research on his life and death.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Lapel Pins of Pilot

I have worked to identify the small pins in this photo. The small wings I know. The four stars surrounded by a red edge remind me of the "Four Star Mother" flag. I think I can now identify the two ribbon bars at the top as part of larger medals. On the left is the bar with the colors for the Europe Africa Middle East Campaign medal. I think the three stars are for three missions his 313 TC Group participated in. On the right is the blue and gold bar to accompany the Air Medal for Sylvan's role in D Day in Normandy. Mike Ingresano, historian for the 316 Troop Carrier Group, indexed in his book the Orders that awarded Sylvan Lucier, among others, the Oak Leaf Cluster for his participation in Market Garden (Holland) which meant he had already received the Air Medal for Normandy. (Sylvan was not given the Oak Leaf Cluster because he died in a glider accident a few weeks after returning from Holland. I don't know if it was sent to his parents.)
When I visited the Strategic Air Museum near Omaha NE on April 9, 2007, I saw a case of W.W. II Aviation Medals. In it were medals Sylvan Lucier must have earned but only the bars (top of photo) remain. The beautiful medals are missing from the box I received with my grandmother's scrapbook about Sylvan. Now I will try work to find replacements.
I would appreciate hearing from anyone who can correct or elaborate on the medals.

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