-40%
Early first issue (1947-1949) gilt US Air Force USAF button - Berlin Airlift era
Early first issue (1947-1949) gilt US Air Force USAF button - Berlin Airlift era
Early first issue (1947-1949) gilt US Air Force USAF button - Berlin Airlift era
Early first issue (1947-1949) gilt US Air Force USAF button - Berlin Airlift era
Early first issue (1947-1949) gilt US Air Force USAF button - Berlin Airlift era
Early first issue (1947-1949) gilt US Air Force USAF button - Berlin Airlift era

Early first issue (1947-1949) gilt US Air Force USAF button - Berlin Airlift era

$ 5.27

Availability: 34 in stock
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
  • Condition: See description for details.
  • Modified Item: No

    Description

    For sale is one two-piece, non-dug, overcoat size (29 mm) early first-issue US Air Force (USAF) button.
    The National Security Act of 1947 created the United States Air Force from the US Army Air Forces and its associated Air Commands including Strategic Air Command (SAC).  Army-green uniforms with gold USAF buttons (like this one) were briefly specified from 1947 until 1949, after which they became blue and silver respectively.
    Buttons of this type would have been used by USAF officers and airmen during the Berlin Airlift of 1948-1949 (Operation Vittles).  Famed General Curtis LeMay was appointed Commanding General of SAC in 1948; LeMay moved the SAC command post to Offutt AFB in Nebraska at that time where it remained through the elimination of SAC in 1992.
    This button is listed as Albert's AF1A (gilt, 1947-1949) w
    ith a " * SCOVILL MF'G CO, * / WATERBURY. " backmark.
    T
    his example is in excellent condition with no pushes and a straight shank; the high spots are not worn but bear a highly reflective finish.
    For shipping, we use well-padded boxes, typically ship same- or next-day, and always combine costs on multiple lots (USPS insurance required over 0).