https://united-states-air-force.org Fri, 10 Jul 2026 20:14:53 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.1 https://united-states-air-force.org/2026/01/named-usaf-colonel-g-f-shipp-insignia-group-with-crew-checklist-book-spectre-16th/ https://united-states-air-force.org/2026/01/named-usaf-colonel-g-f-shipp-insignia-group-with-crew-checklist-book-spectre-16th/#comments Sun, 01 Feb 2026 03:11:54 +0000 https://united-states-air-force.org/2026/01/named-usaf-colonel-g-f-shipp-insignia-group-with-crew-checklist-book-spectre-16th/

























Straight from the cockpit of a Cold War C-130 Hercules – this complete pilot’s checklist binder belonged to decorated USAF Col. Shipp, loaded with rare radar guides, formation flying notes, and his own handwritten annotations. This is an original U. Air Force C-130 Hercules pilot’s flight crew checklist binder from the 1980s, personally used by Colonel George F. Shipp, a decorated C-130 / AC-130 Spectre gunship pilot and former commander of the 16th Special Operations Squadron. Shipp served 28 years in the USAF and passed away in 2014. This binder is complete and loaded with content – not just the standard checklist pages, but multiple specialized quick-reference inserts used in actual cockpit operations. Normal Procedures section. Emergency Procedures section. Passenger Briefing section. APN-59 Radar Checklist Guide. APQ-122 Radar X-Band Checklist (4 pages) – Rare multi-mode radar reference. SKE (Station Keeping Equipment) Turn Guide – For formation flying in poor visibility. Before Taxi / Before Takeoff / Before Landing / After Landing / Engine Shutdown quick-reference cards (12 items + flows). Extensive handwritten notes by Col. Shipp on the inside front page. Binder: Fair condition from authentic cockpit use – wear consistent with active duty service. Pages: Missing page 1 and 2 at the very beginning. Binder starts at page 3. All supplemental guides intact and in good shape. Why This Is Special. Direct provenance to a named USAF C-130/AC-130 pilot. Contains multiple rare radar and formation flying guides not found in standard issue. Offers a detailed look at Cold War-era tactical airlift and special operations procedures. This is a must-have piece of Air Force history for C-130 veterans, military aviation collectors, and Cold War historians. Plus recently found medals, insignia and patches. Keywords: USAF pilot checklist, C-130 Hercules manual, AC-130 Spectre, APN-59 radar, APQ-122 radar, SKE guide, military aviation memorabilia, Cold War Air Force, Col George F Shipp, 16th SOS, special operations, cockpit checklist, Hercules flight manual, Air Force collectibles.

]]> https://united-states-air-force.org/2026/01/named-usaf-colonel-g-f-shipp-insignia-group-with-crew-checklist-book-spectre-16th/feed/ 0 https://united-states-air-force.org/2025/04/vietnam-bancroft-usaf-air-force-officer-mess-dress-hat-cap-set-colonel-thunder/ https://united-states-air-force.org/2025/04/vietnam-bancroft-usaf-air-force-officer-mess-dress-hat-cap-set-colonel-thunder/#comments Fri, 18 Apr 2025 10:50:53 +0000 https://united-states-air-force.org/2025/04/vietnam-bancroft-usaf-air-force-officer-mess-dress-hat-cap-set-colonel-thunder/














The vintage USAF Air Force Berkshire Officer Mess Dress Hat Cap Set is designed for a Colonel named Thunder. This militaria piece signifies the wearer’s rank and affiliation with the United States Air Force. Made in the United States, it is a collectible item that represents the military heritage and history of the Air Force.

]]> https://united-states-air-force.org/2025/04/vietnam-bancroft-usaf-air-force-officer-mess-dress-hat-cap-set-colonel-thunder/feed/ 0 https://united-states-air-force.org/2024/12/retired-air-force-colonel-this-is-what-the-drones-are-doing-up-there/ https://united-states-air-force.org/2024/12/retired-air-force-colonel-this-is-what-the-drones-are-doing-up-there/#comments Sun, 22 Dec 2024 21:40:24 +0000 https://united-states-air-force.org/2024/12/retired-air-force-colonel-this-is-what-the-drones-are-doing-up-there/ ]]> https://united-states-air-force.org/2024/12/retired-air-force-colonel-this-is-what-the-drones-are-doing-up-there/feed/ 0 https://united-states-air-force.org/2024/11/flight-ace-usaf-lt-colonel-white-mess-dress-cap-wwii-p-51-pilot-billy-clemmons/ https://united-states-air-force.org/2024/11/flight-ace-usaf-lt-colonel-white-mess-dress-cap-wwii-p-51-pilot-billy-clemmons/#comments Mon, 04 Nov 2024 06:44:57 +0000 https://united-states-air-force.org/2024/11/flight-ace-usaf-lt-colonel-white-mess-dress-cap-wwii-p-51-pilot-billy-clemmons/







Up for sale is a USAF’Flight Ace’ brand Mess Dress white Cap named to then Lt. Colonel (later full Colonel) Billy Clemmons, who flew P-51D’s during WWII and shot down several aircraft including the Me-262 Jet fighter (bio below). This cap is in excellent condition with a few very minor spots/aging. Colonel Billy Clemmons was born to Robert Henry and Mallie Olivia (Stem) Clemmons. He spent part of his childhood in Lebanon, TN. On December 20, 1942, he married Jean Dolores Sterling. He entered pilot training in January 1943 and earned his wings at Moore Field, Mission, Texas, in February 1944. After completing more training, he was sent to the 55th fighter wing, 38th F. Of the 8th Air Force in England. He flew P-51 Mustangs and finished his tour as the war ended in 1945. He was credited with an “unofficial” air war fighter ace, with four and one-half victories (one and one-half of which were German ME 262s). Few P-51 pilots went up against the German jets. After a brief time (while attending Baylor) he was recalled to active duty during the Korean War and was assigned to fly the F-86 Sabre Jet with the 75th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. He was then assigned to the 513th F. S in England and France. After returning to the states he was assigned to the air training command, as an instructor pilot in T-37s, T-38s. He spent many years as an instructor in jets. He attended many schools in the military including the Air War College in Montgomery, Alabama. He was then assigned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon in Washington, D. He was instrumental in implementing the World Wide Military Command and Control System; the true predecessor of the internet. Clemmons retired from the Air Force at Barksdale Field in Shreveport, LA. During his career, he earned the following medals, Euro-African-Mideastern Campaign Medal, Air-Force outstanding unit award with 2 oak leaf clusters. American Campaign Medal, Air Longevity Service Award with 6 oak leaf clusters, WWII Victory Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Medal, Legion of Merit Medal, Joint Services Commendation Medal, North American Campaign Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Medal with 9 oak leaf clusters, Natl. Defense Service Medal with one bronze star and an Air Force Achievement Medal.

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USAF 1942 Colonel Retirement Gift from Servicemen. Vintage Fort Worth TX WWII ERA. This authentic piece is part of a larger collection we are listing over the coming months. Colonel Polk served prior to wwi through wwii. Also documents, uniforms, bags and other related items.

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This is a vintage U. These items are perfect for collectors of militaria and air force memorabilia. The lot includes various medals and batches that were worn by high ranking officers of the Air Force. The items are in good condition and will make a great addition to any collection.

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AIR FORCE HAT SIZE 7 1/4 USAF NAMED COLONEL JOHN E DORAN DRESS HAT AND BOX AND COVER. THIS OS NEAR MINT. VERY VERY NICE HAT AND HAS COLONEL BISINESS CARD IN THERE AS WELL. THANKS AND GOOD LUCK.

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This uniform lot belonged to Lieutenant Colonel E. He was involved with the US ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) program during the 1950’s-60’s. We do our absolute best to identify any flaws.

]]> https://united-states-air-force.org/2023/11/1960s-air-force-lieutenant-colonel-full-dress-uniform-lot/feed/ 0 https://united-states-air-force.org/2023/02/air-force-rank-insignia-lieutenant-colonel-nickel-plate-made-in-usa-new/ https://united-states-air-force.org/2023/02/air-force-rank-insignia-lieutenant-colonel-nickel-plate-made-in-usa-new/#comments Fri, 17 Feb 2023 03:33:51 +0000 https://united-states-air-force.org/2023/02/air-force-rank-insignia-lieutenant-colonel-nickel-plate-made-in-usa-new/


PLEASE READ THE COMPLETE DESCRIPTION. Army and Air Force rank: Regulation size: Hard Corp nickel plated metal finish: Officer: Lieutenant Colonel (O-5). Approximately 1-1/8″ Height x 1″ Width. MADE IN THE U. We only employ Disabled Veterans. WE SUPPORT THE (DISABLED VETERANS OF AMERICA). All military insignia that we carry have been approved by the Army, and Air Force through the institute of Heraldry, the Navy through the Natick Testing Laboratories, and the USMC through the USMC Logistic Agency. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Militaria\Militaria (Date Unknown)\Air Force”. The seller is “armed_forces_insignia” and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped to United States.

• Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
• Type: Pins
• Force: Air Force

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Look at this brilliant finished South Korean USA Army challenge coin! With a gorgeous Gold Finish this Commanders Coin will wow your friends and be the perfect gift! Coin is in decent condition for its age. Veteran owned USA Small Business. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Militaria\Current Militaria (2001-Now)\Original Items\Challenge Coins”. The seller is “redwhiteandtrue” and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped to United States.

• Featured Refinements: O6 Challenge Coin
• Modified Item: No
• Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
• Theme: Militaria
• Original/Reproduction: Original
• Time Period Manufactured: 2001-Now

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