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Auction: 26003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 486

(x) The Air Medal group of five attributed to Staff Sergeant J. P. Graham, United States Army Air Force

United States of America, Air Medal (John P. Graham), in its case of issue with lapel badge and riband bar; American Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; Good Conduct Medal; European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, with three bronze stars to riband, very fine overall (5)

John P. Graham was assigned to the 301st Bombardment Group (Heavy), 419th Squadron, with whom he served in the Second World War. Per the 301st Bombardment Group website (accessible at https://www.301bg.com/):

“The 301st Bombardment Group of World War II, flew 464 missions in B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft. They were assigned to the 8th and then the 12th and 15th Air Forces having headquarters stationed in England, North Africa and Italy.

The B-17 was considered a 'heavy' group. This was the designation given to four-engine bombers. Their primary mission was strategic in nature. That is to say their main targets were industry specifically those that had a value to the war-industry. Oil refineries, iron works, munition and aircraft factories along with railroads and marshalling yards the rails on which raw materials and finished products were delivered. Shipping and docks were also high priority targets for the 301st BG.

Comprised of four squadrons (32nd, 352nd, 353rd and 419th) the 301st suffered lack of planes, parts, men and supplies through their time in England and North Africa. It was difficult to have missions with a full complement of aircraft until victory in North Africa was achieved in May of 1943.

Their B-17s during 1942 and early 1943 were the 'F' model. The G model a/c did not arrive to combat theaters until late fall of 1943.

The 301st BG was based in Italy with the 5th Bomb Wing, 15th Air Force when the war in Europe ended in May 1945.”


Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate
£60 to £80

Starting price
£50