You are here:

Military History/Questions Answered by Expert Johnny Signor

SubjectDate Asked
411th of 373rd2/3/2012
  Q: I just saw that you answered a question related to this squadron, and I noted a reference to a ...
  A: I'm a little confused as to your question, the 373rd Bombardment Squadron was with the 308th ...
General Patton and Witez II1/17/2012
  Q: I don't know if this is in your expertise,but I hope you can try your best; Can you tell me some ...
  A: well no this area is not that of which I work in, I am sorry , my field is the military aviation ...
Finding records1/4/2012
  Q: My father, Isadore Lankin served in WW2, as second lieutant in squadron s, 348 th AAF, out of Will ...
  A: O.K. , the 348th Was an Air force Base Unit , not a "Bombardment" squadron, the B-32 Dominators ...
Finding records1/2/2012
  Q: My father, Isadore Lankin served in WW2, as second lieutant in squadron s, 348 th AAF, out of Will ...
  A: as to a good place to find out about your Dad's service I would suggest you go to this site and ...
Flight mission symbols WWII12/30/2011
  Q: Signor, I am researching my father's flight history in the CBI theater during WWII. He piloted B-24s ...
  A: this is a good question, I have seen the emblems painted on the aircraft noses of various types, but ...
F-10 units, tails11/3/2011
  Q: My late uncle flew as a camera operator/gunner on the F-10 photographic variant of the B-25 from ...
  A: I went through my refference books etc and I can find no 8th CMS listed , it could have been the 8th ...
Minuteman Flag10/26/2011
  Q: About 10 years ago, I found a flag in storage in an old farm house. It is 3x5 and says the maker is ...
  A: I just recieved a reply from the actual company that made the flags, I will send you this note via ...
Minuteman Flag10/25/2011
  Q: About 10 years ago, I found a flag in storage in an old farm house. It is 3x5 and says the maker is ...
  A: i will see what I cna come up with , hopefully I'll find something useful to you ,I did see one ...
Minuteman Flag10/24/2011
  Q: About 10 years ago, I found a flag in storage in an old farm house. It is 3x5 and says the maker is ...
  A: it does sound like a "guard" type flag, yes please send a photo , I will do some digging and see if ...
My Grandfather10/15/2011
  Q: I am looking to find more information on my Grandfathers service in the Army in 1944. I know he ...
  A: first of all I am sorry to hear of your G'Dad's passing , another of "The Greatest Generation" . As ...
ww2 military ring10/13/2011
  Q: I have come across a ring that belonged to my dad, who is diseased. I hope you can tell me something ...
  A: Well it very well could be a ring for the Staff Officers who worked the Pentegon, the higher ups ...
ww2 military ring10/13/2011
  Q: I have come across a ring that belonged to my dad, who is diseased. I hope you can tell me something ...
  A: well it sounds like a military ring, do you know what service he was in ????? There are a lot of ...
WWll army air force firefighter10/12/2011
  Q: Signor, My dad served overseas with the 458th air service group in the European theater of ...
  A: Well by what I could find out about the "group" was they were under the IX Troop Carrier Command,9th ...
photo from 1944/45 Innsbruck10/10/2011
  Q: Johnny: your people said to just click attach an image, please let me know if you receive the photo ...
  A: I got the photo, no problem, your mystery soldier "appears" to be US Army, the photo also appears to ...
Bomb lapel pin 1945 Army Air Corps10/3/2011
  Q: Can you identify a lapel pin for me. Is it significant to a unit my Dad served in?m I have attached ...
  A: Some of lapel pins were made at different times and by different companies, and they are the artist ...
Bomb lapel pin 1945 Army Air Corps9/30/2011
  Q: Can you identify a lapel pin for me. Is it significant to a unit my Dad served in?m I have attached ...
  A: do you possibly have a better photo or of the actual pin ????????? Your photo is a little small and ...
Western union college flight school photos9/27/2011
  Q: I own the 41 International woodie station wagon that the College owned to take student pilots to and ...
  A: I assume if the college is still in existance that you've contacted them to see if thier archives ...
ATC--Ferrying Group Emblem9/20/2011
  Q: Mr. Signor, After my father completed his combat tour with the 381st Bomb Group in March, 1944, he ...
  A: as far as I have been able to ascertain , the 33rd Ferrying Group never had an "Officially" approved ...
WWII bullet ?9/4/2011
  Q: I have just sent you one question, but was unable to scan this item I am wondering about on the same ...
  A: well , this is unusal , at least to me, most bullets are of a "solid" form, your description of it ...
WWII bullet ?9/4/2011
  Q: I have just sent you one question, but was unable to scan this item I am wondering about on the same ...
  A: This is an unusual looking "bullet" , it appears to have some "codes" or "type markings on it, can ...
military finds - pins,patch,bullet?9/4/2011
  Q: After my father passed away (WWII vet) I came across some miliary pins, etc. I have scanned a few to ...
  A: well the patch appears to be a German "SS" type , your striped pin is the US Army Good Conduct award ...
WWII helmet8/11/2011
  Q: I recently purchased a WWII helmet from an antique store without knowing much about the helmet. I ...
  A: your helmet without seeing a photo of, sounds to me like a "Mission" type, in other words it was ...
Despatch Riders7/13/2011
  Q: What type of unit would a Dispatch Ride in England during WW11 have belonged to if he was visiting ...
  A: I'm sorry but this question is a little out of my field of knowledge, postal work although military ...
WW2 Army 860th Aviation Engineering Unit Emblem7/13/2011
  Q: I'm looking to find an image for the 860th Army Aviation Engineering Unit Emblem. Ultimately I ...
  A: I bopped around on the net looking up the 860th EAB, I found a small photo of a unit book about the ...
USMCR dogtag7/2/2011
  Q: I am a New Zealand Police Officer currently serving in Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. I have come ...
  A: it is possible your dog tag is an original, I assume you found it there on the Island or did you get ...
military law7/1/2011
  Q: I am writing a story about an Air Force Major who is conspiring with five citizens to murder an AF ...
  A: well I 'm sorry but I won't be able to help you much with this one, my area of knowledge is the ...
cannonball6/30/2011
  Q: we found what we believe is a cannonball, it was found at Sandwich bay in Kent while digging for lug ...
  A: although this is really way outside my area of knowledge(military aviation unit emblems) I can ...
Old jacket6/25/2011
  Q: I think the jacket is the forerunner of the B-3. It has the front pocket and side adjuster straps. ...
  A: Well without a photo it is very difficult to be able to tell, I would suggest you post a photo/s of ...
german helmet, possibly a kreigsmarine5/31/2011
  Q: I need some help in identifying this German helmet...........usually according to my research a ...
  A: this is outside my area of what I do , my area is military aviation unit emblems , but I can suggest ...
WWII bomber jacket Identify5/10/2011
  Q: I purchased an old WWII bomber leather jacket. I can not identify it. It looks like a B-3 but it is ...
  A: I'm no expert on the make of leather jackets , but I can suggest a great site for finding out what ...
Army Air Force Base Unit4/28/2011
  Q: My father was in the 325th Army Air Force Base Unit, Squadron D during 1943-1945. What can you tell ...
  A: It is my understanding this AAFBU was stationed at Marianna AAFLD in Florida and was a Advanced ...
Axis Power4/5/2011
  Q: 1. How did Soviet Union emerge as superpower after about four years of fighting on Russian soil? ...
  A: Washington, I am sorry that your questions are notin the area of what I am familiar with, I work in ...
CAA-WTS wings4/3/2011
  Q: My father completed the Civilian Aeronautics Administration - War Training Service Secondary Course ...
  A: glad to be able to help ! get on your computer and type in your search line the following , ...
Army Air Corps DUI reference2/24/2011
  Q: I have 2 unit crests that belonged to my Uncle in WWII, He was in the 36th Fighter Squadron in ...
  A: well first of all if your Uncle was a pilot he would have been in the USAAF which "technically" was ...
collar button2/15/2011
  Q: I HAVE A BRONZE WW1 COLLAR INSIGIA INEED TO IDENTIFY- IT HAS CROSSED CANNONS WITH HQ BELOW AND A 1 ...
  A: WW-1 items are really out of my area of knowledge,I work in the WW-2 military aviation unit emblem ...
APO locator2/6/2011
  Q: How do I learn where a WW2 APO address took the mail? For example I've ltrs that went to APO 713 ...
  A: Will, I'm not an expert on this specific area , I deal mostly in militarya aviation unit emblems and ...
Gold Flying Prop ring2/1/2011
  Q: In the 1950's I purchased a gold winged prop ring at an estate auction on the island of Kauai, ...
  A: well by what I can see in the photo, it appears to have the WW-2 era winged prop design in it's ...
World War 2 Victory Medal1/30/2011
  Q: I am doing some research regarding my father's WW2 military service. My father was overseas almost ...
  A: well as I'm not really well versed in the area of military medal awards I would think if his papers ...
38cal. 5in. mk v1/1/2011
  Q: I bought a piece of brass that was being used as an ash tray. While cleaning it up I spotted the ...
  A: Well first of all this sounds like a ammunition round spent shell casing piece , secondly I ahte to ...
767th Bomb Squadron, 461st Bomb Group12/19/2010
  Q: John, I am researching my father who was attached to the 767th bomber squadron in Torretta, Italy ...
  A: sorry to hear about the losss of your Fathers records, as to what other medals/awards he may have ...
1178th MP Co, Aviation11/28/2010
  Q: My father enlisted in the Army 4 Sept 42 in Indianapolis Indiana. He was stateside for 11 months 21 ...
  A: this is a rather interesting question , but a little out of my area of research, I just work with ...
wwII airborne jump rosters11/21/2010
  Q: I am looking for proof that my father Floyd Russell Perry was on jump rosters for Hq co 2nd Bn 517th ...
  A: sorry to hear of your Father's loss while you were so young of an age . I'm not really familiar with ...
WWII Medallion11/16/2010
  Q: This is a round medallion measuring about 4 1/2 cm. It is made of probably metal or copper and is a ...
  A: although German itmes are outside of the area I specialise in I would venture that this piece is ...
B-24 Nose Art11/15/2010
  Q: Johnny,I am a Civil War[ask the expert]thanks for your answer about my uncle's-"Harry the ...
  A: Helo Herb, I would think that the survivors, and thier relatives should be able to get them more ...
Aviation Unit ID Pennant11/11/2010
  Q: Howdy, I realize this may be out of your area of expertise, but if you can tell me anything at all ...
  A: yes this one is only out of my area as to being of WW-1 vintage, but I can tell you it is of that ...
WWI Aero Squadron11/3/2010
  Q: I bought an old military foot locker with "SGT H.M. Wambough-503 Aero Squadron painted nicely on the ...
  A: well the first world war isn't really my area of expertise, you've already gotten the era and type ...
Iron Crosses10/22/2010
  Q: I recently found two iron crosses in my Grandfathers belongings and was wondering if they are real. ...
  A: I will try to help you here via a website I am a member of , but german items are not my expetise, ...
ID of Military Plane9/29/2010
  Q: Attached is a pic from WWII showing the nickname on a plane. I haven't been able to find anything ...
  A: first of all your aircraft in the photo is a Boeing B-29 Superfortress which is a WW-2 heavy Bomber ...
ww2 euro/africa,me,campaign medal9/20/2010
  Q: on my europen,african,middle eastern campaign medal, are attached fromleft to right three pins. the ...
  A: glad to help, to my understanding the "satrs" which come in silver,gold,bronze are to signify so ...
ww2 euro/africa,me,campaign medal9/19/2010
  Q: on my europen,african,middle eastern campaign medal, are attached fromleft to right three pins. the ...
  A: I had to actually look this up for you as it's a little out of my area of military research, I do ...
ww2 motor vehicle badge9/15/2010
  Q: Signor, I wonder if you can tell me where I can get more information about an original striking die ...
  A: Well your description doesn't mention if it was for military drivers or civilian drivers , but if ...
WW2 USN Wool Jumper Shirt9/8/2010
  Q: You were very helpful in the past with a question I had, so figured I would try you again! I have a ...
  A: Wow , some Very interesting background on him you've found !!!!!! defineatly a Hero !!!!!!!!!! I'm a ...
WW2 USN Wool Jumper Shirt9/7/2010
  Q: You were very helpful in the past with a question I had, so figured I would try you again! I have a ...
  A: As to the jumper being with the letters etc you have the only way to verify that would be if he has ...
WW2 Bombardiers Manual9/6/2010
  Q: ! i am at my wits end. i have a ww2 manual titled "Bombardiers Manual Ground Training Westover ...
  A: the manual you have would most likely be a collectors item, but as to value that really depends on ...
COLDITZ7/28/2010
  Q: I would like some info on Colditz. I know it was a pow camp for Allied officers who were escape ...
  A: I'm sorry that this subject is somewhat out of the area of research I usually work in, although I ...
unknown medal ribbon bars7/28/2010
  Q: I have 2 ribbon bars that I am unable to identify. I have spent a lot of time trying to locate what ...
  A: wow ,these must go back sometime, I don't have much in the way of "Ribbon" award ID materials, I ...
The 411th Fighter Squadron7/18/2010
  Q: "Dear Mr. Signor, I have recently been compiling information on my grandfather, who served in the ...
  A: the 373rd Fighter Group and the 411th Squadron both had a unit emblem, both were of an "Unofficial" ...
128th Military Police Company7/12/2010
  Q: I was assigned to the 128th MP Co from 1966 thru 1967 stationed at Camp Ames Korea. Can you tell me ...
  A: although this question is a bit out of my area (I work with military aviation items) I can offer ...
My uncle In Bomber Squadron WWII7/8/2010
  Q: I am wondering how I can decipher what kind of aircraft this is (where I can find a picture) My ...
  A: the B-24H was known as the "Liberator" it is a four engined aircraft with a twin tail, it was a ...
Bombers in Pacific Theater during WWII6/23/2010
  Q: I am having trouble finding what squadron my dad flew with during WWII. He was a ...
  A: this a a wide range question as the Marines had a few B-25/PBJ units in WW-2, do you have any ...
ww1 footlocker6/17/2010
  Q: I have a ww1 army issue footlocker. It is in good condition except for the leather side straps which ...
  A: this type of item is quite a bit out of my area of work, I'm sorry that I can't really help here , ...
WW2 USN Wool Jumper Shirt6/9/2010
  Q: You were very helpful in the past with a question I had, so figured I would try you again! I have a ...
  A: Well , this is a unusal one here, i'll tell you what I have an give you my "Best" guess, the "V' ...
santa ana WWII aviation students packet4/26/2010
  Q: I recently got a bunch of stuff at a yard sale, there was a folder with some interesting papers ...
  A: your packet sounds very interesting, It's somewhat out of my area of knowledge but still military ...
Iron Cross4/24/2010
  Q: I have a iron cross ,only marking is sterling on reverse , has two gold bars 3/8 in long hanging ...
  A: this sounds like an interesting item, is there a chance you can post a photo of it so I can view ...
Gen. William T. Sherman4/21/2010
  Q: While doing family research on a Civil War veteran, I was informed by another family member that my ...
  A: well first of all my area of knowledge deals with WW-2 military aviation unit emblems, I can suggest ...
ww11 buzz bombs4/18/2010
  Q: which AAA gun was first to shoot down a v1,buzz bomb?
  A: As this is somewhat out of my area of knowledge I am sorry to say I can't help you with an answer. ...
shoulder patches of AAA4/6/2010
  Q: my fatherwas in the 460th AAA AW Bn.I believe he was attached to the 1st infantry.my question is ...
  A: well your question is a very involved one, first of all do you have any photos of him in any type of ...
WW24/5/2010
  Q: To what extent did Hitler's caution affect the outcomes of operation yellow?
  A: I'm sorry but your question to me is really out of my area of knowledge, I work with WW-2 military ...
personnel assignments4/4/2010
  Q: I am trying to find reference material to use in the construction of a radio controlled B-17. A ...
  A: if I understand you correctly you're needing detailed info on the structures/etc of the B-17 Flying ...
patch4/2/2010
  Q: Can you please tell me what the difference is between a WW1 patch and WW2 and later patch for the ...
  A: as to the differences of the 83rd Infantry Division patch of WW-1,WW-2 and current WW-1 is was first ...
Grandmother WASP or Army Air Force?3/25/2010
  Q: John, Hi. I have a picture of my grandmother in uniform. She has the "Winged Props" Insignia on ...
  A: your Grandmothers picture sounds intriguing, please send it to me so I can get a better look at the ...
B-17 Crew Amenities3/24/2010
  Q: My mother married a B-17 Bombadier who died over Germany in 1943 soon afterwards. I am interested in ...
  A: I checked Amazon and they have a copy of the book available right now , as to the reason casualties ...
B-17 Crew Amenities3/24/2010
  Q: My mother married a B-17 Bombadier who died over Germany in 1943 soon afterwards. I am interested in ...
  A: well by the stories I've read about bomber crew missions, they were very trying and long, many were ...
WW23/23/2010
  Q: I'm working on a story about my Grandfather Hal Chesters who served in the Pacific Theater April ...
  A: although this is outside the area I work with (military aviation) I think I can help you a little, I ...
WWII Germany & USSR3/16/2010
  Q: How did the German-Soviet conflict make the world war into a "global war" and "total war"? Thanks ...
  A: although I have to say I really can't help you with it, my area of knowledge deals with the aviation ...
831st Enginee (Aviation) Battalion2/21/2010
  Q: I am looking for information about the 831st Engineering (Aviation) Battalion after March 1, 1944 ...
  A: I just typed in the words 831st Engineering Aviation Battallion and it went to a page about it, and ...
WWII2/16/2010
  Q: My father was a B17 pilot in WWII. I have his military records. I would like to track down actual ...
  A: I know there is a site about the 487th Bombardment Group, they were called "The Gentlemen From Hell" ...
My Father's USAF Wings2/14/2010
  Q: My father was flew F-89s for the airforce in the late fifties and early sixties. We recently found ...
  A: the attachment you sent me did not come through right,all there is -is just a box with a red X in it ...
flying tigers question2/14/2010
  Q: is it true that the flying tigers fighting for nationalist china never came up against the japanese ...
  A: this is a very good question, one you've got me on ! I will have to check into my books on the AVG ...
Keesler air force base patches2/8/2010
  Q: I recently found some of my grandfather's military patches in a box with other military info, he was ...
  A: I got your question aqbout the patches ,but the photo was not "attached" with ti,please resend it ...
old military ring1/30/2010
  Q: Could you help me determine where this ring is from. It was in my mom' jewelry. They lived in ...
  A: I am glad that I could find something that gives you a lead to check out, did you try the e mail ...
old military ring1/29/2010
  Q: Could you help me determine where this ring is from. It was in my mom' jewelry. They lived in ...
  A: that's a very unusual looking ring, I will be doing some checking around the net and see what I can ...
Okinawa WW21/20/2010
  Q: My Uncle was KIA in Okinawa, his military records state TEC5, member of 165th Infantry, 27th ...
  A: well this is a little out of my area of knowledge,but here's some info that should help you, the ...
History1/16/2010
  Q: I WOULD TO GET INFORMATION ABOUT THE History of 4th BN. 10th. INF. 193rd Bde.IN 1967 this unit was ...
  A: your best bet would be trying this site on the web,it's a good one for all around US Military ...
Father's WW11 Service info1/14/2010
  Q: I am trying to fill in the blanks on my dad's service info. His name is Percy Maurice Benner, and ...
  A: I can give you this site adress that I think will be your best choice for getting proper answers for ...
wwII buttons1/9/2010
  Q: i have 4 1"1/8" and 2 smaller collar buttons. I believe they are wwII national seal buttons they ...
  A: I'm sorry that I haven't answered sooner,my PC died and I had to buy a new one (OUCH) ! Anyway as to ...
Number of brothers in military.12/27/2009
  Q: A friend asked me if I could assist him in finding out if his family set a record by having had ...
  A: Well that very well could have been a record seeing as usually the military didn't like to have ...
3010th army air force base unit12/25/2009
  Q: I have a question pertaining to my grandfather who served in WWII. I know he received a European ...
  A: I can only suggest you try this site, what you need to do is get the macr papers about your ...
APO 34312/15/2009
  Q: My father was in the 4th Ind Hq 8th Army APO 343 in 1945-46 and I am trying to locate any ...
  A: although this is out of the area I usually work in (Military Aviation) I can suggest a site that you ...
trying to id a distinctive unit insignia ww212/5/2009
  Q: I have spent literally hours trying to research a dui I have in my collection. I simply cannot find ...
  A: Glad to be able to help somehow, anytime you have any other WW2 aviation types feel free to drop me ...
trying to id a distinctive unit insignia ww212/5/2009
  Q: I have spent literally hours trying to research a dui I have in my collection. I simply cannot find ...
  A: Well that's one I've never seen, I have copied it and will lookinto my sorces,but at present I have ...
Americans in the British Army11/27/2009
  Q: Were there ever Americans serving in the British Army in WW2? If so could you give me a story ...
  A: this is an interesting question, but I am sorry that I really am not sure about if there were,we had ...
Attempting to Identify Military11/25/2009
  Q: Johnny: Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I have a 3" pair of sterling silver ...
  A: Glad to help ,I used to collect wings some years ago and was a little "Rusty" on my ID of it,but it ...
Attempting to Identify Military11/24/2009
  Q: Johnny: Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I have a 3" pair of sterling silver ...
  A: I did some more "surfing ' and what you have is the modern or current version of the USAF Navigators ...
Attempting to Identify Military "Wings"11/24/2009
  Q: Johnny: Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I have a 3" pair of sterling silver ...
  A: your wings are USAF and I believe are the "aircrew" type, these would be post 1947 era to more ...
713th Military Police Battalion patch11/11/2009
  Q: My father in law was in the 713th Military Police Battalion Company A at Normandy in WWII EAME ...
  A: although this question is out of my area of research,I can suggest a site that you should have ...
my dad10/22/2009
  Q: i asked a question awhile ago and didn't get a response. I'm looking for some info on my dad's wwii ...
  A: first of all I did respond to your first question,I guess you must not have read it, secondly there ...
Airphoto10/18/2009
  Q: I'm looking for an airphoto from a German town called Huertgen (Hürtgen) that has been taken in 1945 ...
  A: I thank you for your question to me about the Aerial photo of Hurtgen, I can not help you with this ...
B-2410/11/2009
  Q: Do you have any info about the plane[Harry the Horse]?Flew out of Southern Italy in ...
  A: Do you know what group this aircraft was with? Or do you have a photo of it ? I would suggest you ...
re your ans for wm. bourne10/10/2009
  Q: My dad's serial # 32 319 729,USAF,sqadron D 325th aaf base unit.I'd like to know a little history ...
  A: your father would have to had been with one of the two group's listed here,445th Bomb Group or the ...
My Dad10/9/2009
  Q: igot my dad's DD214 records,i'm trying to find out how to get his dog tags or tag# so I can ...
  A: well first of all as to history of what squadron he was in I would need a Number of it,or what ...
Patch from US AAF from 194410/1/2009
  Q: There is a patch on my dad's flight jacket on a photo from Feb. 16th, 1944 Mackay, Australia ...
  A: Can you send me a photo of the emblem, also do you have a photo of any of the aircraft from the unit ...
WW2 patch identification9/29/2009
  Q: I recently found some patches that belonged to my grandfather, a WW2 veteran. I have identified ...
  A: your three patches are as follows, Large patch with star is the 16th Army Corps,the patch with the ...
Pin Identification9/26/2009
  Q: I apologize if I'm in the wrong area for this question. I have a military pin I am trying to ...
  A: I believe it to be a US Army Missle type ,This is most likely a 1950's or later embleem,which is out ...

All Questions in This Category

Military History

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


Johnny Signor

Top Expert on this page

Expertise

WW2 USAAF/USN/USMC flying unit emblem identification,Official and Unofficial types,some of thier aircraft used,WW2 era only please.

Experience

approximately 20+ years

Education/Credentials
self taught in the area of emblems of the military

Past/Present Clients
Mostly ww2 veterans and some collectors

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.