American Fighter Aces Card – Wayne K. Blickenstaff, Ace in a Day

Description: American Fighter Aces Card – Wayne K. Blickenstaff, Ace in a Day Offered for your consideration is a pre-printed card, signed by a World War II ace credited with 10 enemy aircraft destroyed and two additional aircraft damaged. The left portion of the card features depictions of six classic American aircraft, though one of the types is oddly presented twice. The aircraft illustrated are the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom, the Grumman TBF Avenger (twice), the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, the North American P-51 Mustang, and the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt. A statement, printed across the bottom, reads “A proud salute to … American fighter Aces”. At the right center is the autograph of “Wayne K. Blickenstaff”, to which he has added “Lt. Col. 353rd Fighter Gp.”. The back of the card is blank. This piece would look great framed with a period photograph of Blickenstaff, especially one in flying gear or beside his aircraft (he flew both a Republic P-47 Thunderbolt and a North American P-51 Mustang, both with names). There are very few of these brave individuals left to sign these autographs, and we are losing more every day. A collection of these autographs would be a wonderful way to honor their service. Wayne K. Blickenstaff was born on June 25, 1920 in Pomona, California, and following graduation from Pomona High School, he attended Woodbury Business College. He enlisted in the Army Air Forces on January 28, 1942, and after earning his wings, was assigned to the 350th Fighter Squadron, 353rd Fighter Group as a second lieutenant. Blickenstaff damaged a Messerschmitt Me-109 near Solingen, Germany on December 1, 1943, and another on June 30, 1944, over France. By August, 1944, he had been promoted to major and that month, was appointed commanding officer of the squadron. He destroyed his first enemy aircraft on November 27, 1944 while he was leading his squadron on a strafing attack in Germany. Near Brunswick, Germany, his group was attacked by 200+ enemy aircraft, with Blickenstaff being credited with four Focke-Wulf FW-190s destroyed (his own plane was damaged and he was forced to land in France). He became an ace on February 22, 1945, when he destroyed one of the advanced Messerschmitt Me-262 jet fighters near Berlin. He was subsequently promoted lieutenant colonel on March 7, 1945. During a patrol near Kassel, Germany, on March 24, 1945, Blickenstaff and his squadron encountered approximately 30+ enemy aircraft. During the ensuing melee, he was credited with the destruction of five enemy fighters, the final two with only one operable machine gun (his squadron destroyed 29 of the enemy aircraft for the loss of five of their own). At the close of the war, Blickenstaff was discharged from the military. He subsequently attended Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles, California, after which he became an illustrator and art instructor. Wayne K. Blickenstaff died on December 23, 2011 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Decorations: Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Air Medal with 7 Oak Leaf Clusters (one source indicates that he also received the French Croix de Guerre with Palm) The presently offered card is in very fine condition, with excellent overall eye appeal and desirability. An unusual line of impressed dots appears at the top left, the last one touching the wing of the second aircraft (not near the autograph). This piece measures approximately 3½ x 5 inches. A great beginning or addition to any ace autograph collection. A $3.95 charge will be added to the winning bid for postage and insurance. A $5.00 charge will be added to any item picked up in person at our physical location. If you have any questions regarding this item, please ask before purchasing. Buy or Bid with Confidence – American Coins & Collectibles President Richie Self has worked 6 years as a paper money grader/authenticator. He has contributed to numerous reference books within the industry, as well as being a co-author of “The Comprehensive Catalog and History of Confederate Bonds, 2nd Edition” with Douglas B. Ball, Ph.D., Henry F. Simmons, M.D., Ph.D. and James R. Desabaye. Mr. Self is a life member of the American Numismatic Association, the Society of Paper Money Collectors, as well as numerous regional numismatic associations. He is an authorized submitter to NGC, PCGS, and PMG, a diamond founding member of Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers and a supporter of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. American Coins and Collectibles can be found at many of the state and local coin shows. American Coins and CollectiblesShreveport, LA

Price: 32 USD

Location: Shreveport, Louisiana

End Time: 2024-12-30T19:54:09.000Z

Shipping Cost: 3.95 USD