1-15-18 Garand Picture of the Day

[Mark in Rochester]

Glider pilots were part of the USAAF. They were withdrawn after landing and sent to the rear. Pathfinders were all infantry with additional skills. They remained in the fight with their units and were detached back to make up Pathfinder sections when another drop was planned.

BEAR

all true but how do you explain the apparent paratrooper equipment?

on the far right Gi has leather gloves and wire cutters on cartridge belt

To the left GI sitting appears to have a US flag arm band

[Gil Boyd]

So sorry guys, just reaffirm the winged collar dog on the guy in the landing craft, are we saying he was a Glider Pilot of the USAAF, wearing Paratroopers kit, with what looks the exact size of a British Parachute Regiment collar dog?
Only reason I raise it is, I am not sure I have seen a silver collar dog worn by US Glider pilots on their collars!!
I am sure someone knows the answer.

[Gil Boyd]

I suppose this guys collar dog who was JOKER of one of the U.S. Squadrons is the same?

[CINDERS]

The two chaps behind the GI at the combing rail one with a cig the other with goggles they do not look a day over 18 if at all 18.

[Gil Boyd]

Wonder how many of those 18 are still with us? It is a timeless photograph.

[13Echo]

Why wouldn't the pilots be equipped to fight? After all a drop is almost always behind enemy lines and the enemy isn't going to let them pass just because they are the glider pilots. I suspect they expected to have to fight till linkup before they can be withdrawn.

[BEAR]

WW2 Glider pilots
Attachment 89947
Attachment 89948
Attachment 89949
Notice the shoulder insignia of the group of pilots and the shoulder insignia of the guy in the lower right of the landing craft.

[Gil Boyd]

As it says on the photo description, "being recovered" and the relaxed atmosphere on the LC is fairly evident. Nearly every man with a cigarette on the go.

[Bob Womack]

I suspect the enemy weren't the only ones they had to fight to get back. Think of a sergeant watching a guy heading to the rear and yelling,"Hey soldier! Where do you think you are going?" So the pilot carried airborne troops who ended up sealed on the airbase with him. Maybe they fixed him up with some proper jump gear and he stuck his wings on the collar to identify himself to his own leadership. Plausible?

Bob

[Gil Boyd]

Highly probable Bob