The Case:
A Louisiana man received a military style footlocker that someone discovered dumpster diving. It was filled with papers that apparently belonged to a World War II airman, Lionel B. Potter. Along with the documents he found two patches embroidered with evocative symbols: a bird in the clouds dropping a bomb. Is this a unit insignia?
Years of searching turned up no answers. So he’s turned the investigation over to History Detectives host Wes Cowan. Were these patches used in World War II? Who made them and why?
More Information
Southern Museum of Flight
4343 73rd Street North
Birmingham, AL 35206
(205) 833-8226
southernmuseumofflight.org
Alabama Veterans Memorial
Liberty Park exit (exit 23) off I-459 North
Birmingham, AL 35236
www.alabamaveterans.org
Commemorative Air Force B-29/B-24 Squadron
4730 George Haddaway Drive
Addison, TX 75001
www.cafb29b24.org
Excerpts From The Journal of Lionel Potter
Read excerpts from Lionel Potter's journal written during his service in WWII.
-
Cover
-
Notice to Finder
-
Jan 10th 11th 12th, 1943
-
Jan 10th 11th 12th, 1943
-
March 5th, 1943
-
March 5th, 1943
-
March 5th, 1943
-
March 5th, 1943
-
March 5th, 1943
-
March 5th, 1943
-
September 28th, 1943
-
September 28th, 1943
-
September 28th, 1943
-
September 28th, 1943
-
September 28th, 1943
-
September 28th, 1943
-
September 28th, 1943
-
September 28th, 1943
-
September 28th, 1943
Related Links
Explore
-
Related Investigation
1775 Almanac
What do these crumbling pages reveal about divided loyalties during the American Revolution?
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
Newport U-Boat
Did these propellers come from a WWII German submarine?
-
Also in Season 10
Star Spangled Banner
Is this the first official copy of the national anthem?
-
Related Investigation
Powder Horn
Who is the man etched into this powder horn?
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
Mussolini's Dagger
Did a World War II GI return home with Mussolini's dagger?
-
Also in this episode
Lincoln Oath
Was this note penned by Abraham Lincoln?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.