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United States Air Force sweetheart brooch
United States Air Force sweetheart brooch

United States Air Force sweetheart brooch

Date1941 - 1945
Object number00028652
NameBrooch
MediumPerspex, paint, metal
DimensionsOverall: 46 x 46 mm, 0.012 kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionA United States Air Force 'sweetheart brooch' featuring the coat of arms of the United States of America.HistoryPlaque : The United States 5th Air Force Commanded initially by General George C. Kenny, the 5th Air Force because of the war in Europe held a low priority for men and equipment, and with the help of her allies they were able to wrest control of the air from the Japanese over the skies of New Guinea in late 1942 and help stop the Japanese drive in Papua New Guinea. From here the 5th led the way for a combination of army and navy forces to neutralize the islands of the Bismarck Archipelago - SignificanceRelated to the American Army Air Force operations based in Queensland during WWII. The style of the eagle indicates that they can be attributed to the 5th USAAF unit in Townsville or the 20th USAAF base in the Cape York area of North Queensland.