Customer Reviews

More Silver Wings, Pinks & Greens: An Expanded Study of USAS, USAAC, & USAAF Uniforms, Wings & Insignia ¥ 1913-1945 Including Civilian Auxiliaries

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It really is something of a rare event these days when someone writes a scholarly reference work that rapidly becomes a benchmark for others to aspire to, but Jon Maguire just keeps on doing it.

Keep em coming, keep em flying!

I'm not an expert, and still less a collector, but as someone with a casual interest in the uniforms and related impedimenta of the world war two era, it's hard to believe a reference could have more to offer, or be more attractively presented, than this work by Jon A. Maguire. The depth of research and knowledge on display here is very impressive, as is the author's thoroughness: I had no idea that the design of pilots' wings, for example, had so many subtle variations based on the manufacturer. Maguire seems to have identified and catalogued all of them.

I admit to skimming over certain sections, like the many, many squadron insignia or the chapter on the Civil Air Patrol. But that has more to do with my own interests, not the merits of Maguire's work, and I can readily see how others might find those very interesting indeed. Where I found myself especially engrossed was in the stories of some of the men who wore these uniforms. Jesse Auton, for example, is shown in images from his 2nd lieutenant days right up to the sprouting of stars on his shoulders (and the concurrent growth of a mustache, by the way, that ultimately made him look like he belonged in RAF Bomber Command). Particularly interesting was the final chapter, "Yanks in His Majesty's Service," which told the stories of several heroes who volunteered, as the title suggests, for the British or Canadian Royal Air Forces before December, 1941. I would particularly note the story of Robert Patrick Walker, who hitchhiked from his native Texas to Canada to volunteer for the RCAF, transferred in 1943 to the US Army Air Corps, and later served with the USAF as late as the Vietnam War. Looking online for more information revealed that this hero died as recently as January, 2010. Hats off to him.

For collectors or historians, this is definitely a work to have around. It pained me to have to return it to its owner.

It seems to date that the author Jon A. Maguire can do no wrong whenever he decides to commit pen to paper. Yet again we have a title that is truly exhaustive in it's coverage of the topic without becoming staid and condescending. Each page is full of highly detailed photographs that describe and illustrate the items perfectly for the collector. His text is articulate, informative and detailed.

If the American Army Air Forces from the period covered are of interest to you then I can offer you know more words of advice other than buy this book. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have.

This is an extension of the authors first book, Silver Wings, Pinks and Greens. The section on pilot and aircrew wings is once again outstanding. Any serious collector of WWII wings and insignia must add this book to their library. Highly recommended!!

Wonderful reference on U.S. Military Air Corps Uniforms and Insignia. Very informative, great photos. A must have for any collector or historian. Very well worth the money.

very beautifull book who show by detail the use of USAAF insigna, wings and uniform during world war 2 with picture