U.S. Fifth Air Force in WW2: Where Were They?

[Rick Research]

A friend just brought over a nice U.S. AAC officer's uniform with 5th Air Force patch, pilots wings (unfortunately rank of Captain through Lieutenant Colonel was removed, though pinned on insignia holes remain showing only these grades were possible), with double ribbon bar:

Silver Star, DFC with Cluster, Air Medal with 3 Clusters/ Purple Heart, American Campaign, Asiatic-Pacific with THREE campaign stars.

We're wondering which three campaigns that might indicate, and whether that tells us this was a close support flyer or a long range bomber.

His record was certainly outstanding.

[VerKuilen Ager]

The 5th AAF was formed out of the remnants of the Far East Air Force (FEAF) (previously the Philippine Department Air Force) when the stragglers ended up in Australia. The 5th then operated out of Australia. The unit eventually grew to a dozen bombardment groups, 5 fighter groups (under 5th Fighter Command), 3 night fighter groups, 2 Recon and Photo groups, 5 Transport groups, and a bunch of units under the 5th Air Force Service Command. At the end of W.W.II the 5th ended up in Japan, where it has remained (Yakota Air Base) as part of the Pacific Air Force (PACAF).

[Rick Research]

Thanks! This guy had a hard war, judging by the decorations--wish we had a name!

[Dirk]

Rick- Try www.kensmen.com a site for 5th AF guys. They have a forum that may be able to help. My father was a nose gunner with the 63rd ( a 5th AF B-24 unit) late in the war and they got him linked up with the nav from his plane. Can't be that many guys with the ribbons you describe. Good luck. Dirk

[Rick Research]

Thanks Dirk, I'll tell my buddy Jim. Rick