Support provided by:
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
Related Links
Explore
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
Society Circus Program
Why are some of New York's wealthiest planning a circus at the depth of the Great Depression?
-
Also in Season 10
Bill Of Sale
Who was this girl sold into slavery?
-
Related Investigation
Front Street Blockhouse
Did this unassuming house protect an American colony from attack almost 300 years ago?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Camp David Letter
Could a box found in a dumpster hold information about the founding of a top-secret Presidential retreat?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Little Bighorn Bayonet
Could this bayonet have been used at one of the largest massacres of U.S. soldiers by American Indians?
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
Hindenburg Artifact
Was this device snatched from the burning wreckage of the ill-fated zeppelin?
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.
Anyone wishing to submit an artifact for investigation should do so through Submit a Story.
- Submit your StoryDo you have a Depression or World War II object? Submit your story now.
- Latest CommentWhat is this glorifying the firearm (which is a semi-automatic by the way) of a criminal? (3 days ago)
- Twitterremember this investigation with @TukufuZuberi @elyseluray Tonight they reunite! Let us know your thoughts! @PBS http://t.co/4KMnc27K (7 months ago)
- FacebookSome wisdom as the day draws to a close. Like my page for more conversations. Enjoy your evening. Peace, Tukufu. (1 day ago)