WWII Army Air Corps Bombardier Graduation Program Wings Cover Carlsbad AAF 1945

Description: Check out our store under the "Military Collectibles" category for other similar items and save on shipping! Estate sale find, vintage original WWII Army Air Corps Bombardier Graduation Program Wings Cover Carlsbad AAF 1945. Army Air Corps Bombardier training graduation announcement for Class 45-9-B, Carlsbad Army Air Field, New Mexico. Made of embossed leather with bombardier wings on the front cover, displays nicely. As the United States geared up for World War II, it became necessary to establish training bases scattered across the 48 states. The southwest was popular because of its moderate weather and New Mexico was particularly attractive because of its usually fair skies. One of the locations chosen for the Army Air Corps flight training was Carlsbad, in Eddy County which opened in July, 1942. Carlsbad Army Air Field was initially selected to serve as a twin engine training field. However, not long afterward, it was reconfigured as a bombardier school, as it was used for the duration of the war. In addition to classroom sessions, candidates were trained over a one year to eighteen month period during which they were evaluated as they dropped practice bombs on targets etched into the flat prairie. The main aircraft used was the AT-11 Kansan aircraft manufactured by Beechcraft. For training purposes it was configured to carry a payload of ten practice bombs. The graduation rate in Carlsbad was about 88%. Once a candidate had successfully completed his course, he would be transferred from Carlsbad to a bomb crew, training at one of several advanced training bases elsewhere in the United States, after which the crews would be assigned for overseas duty in the War. The item measures approximately 4" X 6", approximate shipping weight 3 ounces. PLEASE SEE DESCRIPTION AND PHOTOS FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS - AS IS - TEARS AND CHIPPING TO PAPER TISSUE GUARD - The item appears to be in overall Fair to Good Minus used condition, signs of wear, creases, fading, tears, chipping, sunning and age toning, soiling, stains, writing, no odors, please see images. (C2E11-305)

Price: 61.16 USD

Location: Bakersfield, California

End Time: 2025-01-28T18:00:00.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD