Silver Wings, Pinks & Greens: Uniforms, Wings & Insignia of USAAF Airmen in WWII (Schiffer Military History) [Hardcover]

Jon A. Maguire (Author)

Book Description

Series: Schiffer Military History | Publication Date: August 1, 1994

This new look at the uniforms and insignia of the USAAF during the World War II years covers a broad range of clothing, collar insignia, rank insignia, shoulder/sleeve insignia and squadron patches. Additionally, there is an in-depth examination of wing qualification badges.Actual items are presented in nearly 600 illustrations in full color, and also as they appeared in actual war-era photos. Actual uniform regulations and illustrations from the 1943 and 1944 Officers Guides are also provided.Silver Wings, Pinks & Greens will be a useful addition to the libraries of collectors, historians, modelers and veterns alike. Jon Maguire is also the author of American Flight Jackets, Airmen & Aircraft: A History of U.S. Flyers' Jackets from World War I to Desert Storm(with John Conway). Jon lives in Oklahoma City, Ok.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.; First Edition edition (August 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0887405789
• ISBN-13: 978-0887405785
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #668,738 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars this book has many appealing aspects, February 25, 2000

By 

Jesse I. Carnes (Baton Rouge, LA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Silver Wings, Pinks & Greens: Uniforms, Wings & Insignia of USAAF Airmen in WWII (Schiffer Military History) (Hardcover)

I am 2LT Jesse Irwin Carnes [USAF-CAP, 16010th Composite Squadron]. I REALLY recommend this book by Jon Maguire, i.e., "Silver Wings, Pinks and Greens." Anyone who is SERIOUS about collecting WWII militaria, especially uniforms, pilot's wings, etc., then THIS book is SINE QUA NON ... it is indispensable.

So, how is it SO indispensable? It helps you know WHAT to look for when you collect militaria from this genre. It helps you to develop an "eye" for what is correct in authentic items.

Secondly, Jon Maguire's descriptions enable you to KNOW what WIEGHT or colour or texture a GENUINE article should be.

Any suggestions for a "Revised" edition by Maguire? He might want to add a 1-2 page writeup on the "Best-of-the-best" militaria items, such as A-2 flight jackets by "RoughWear" [no longer in business] or uniforms [and especially officer's visor service caps] by the inimitable "Luxenberg" [also no longer in business] and so forth.

Secondly, sometimes his foto light was a shade deviant, so that the reddish-russet officer's officer's shoes looked more tan-brown. How do I know? I own an "NOS" [new old stock] pair of UNissued officer's low quarters. They are a burnt-orange reddish-brown, like some of the early war visor service caps.

I also own a full set of officer's PINKS, and under flourescent light, they look mauve/pink. His fotos looked more khaki.

But this can be improved in time. Nonetheless, this book rates 5 stars for EFFORT and for its overall USEFULLness.

BTW, if Jon Maguire reads this, can he write me for suggestions and queries?

thanx ;

*salute*

2LT Jesse Irwin Carnes

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST HAVE FOR MILITARIA ENTHUSIASTS!, April 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Silver Wings, Pinks & Greens: Uniforms, Wings & Insignia of USAAF Airmen in WWII (Schiffer Military History) (Hardcover)

This is the best reference book that I have found so far for identification and history of USAF wings. A book like this pays for itself the first time you use it as a buyer, seller, or collector.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding reference for WWII wings, insignia and uniforms., July 1, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Silver Wings, Pinks & Greens: Uniforms, Wings & Insignia of USAAF Airmen in WWII (Schiffer Military History) (Hardcover)

For collectors of WWII wings and related insignia, this is an outstanding reference guide. Normally, reference books on wings contain errors relating to the wings period of manufacture, however the author is on the mark each time. The photographs are excellent, including a short section on hallmarks. Highly recommended!!