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M.H. Mitchell, Inc. 47th Fighter Squadron collection

M.H. Mitchell, Inc. 47th Fighter Squadron collection

Descriptive Summary

Title: M.H. Mitchell, Inc. 47th Fighter Squadron collection
Creator: Mitchell, David Yoakley
Creator: Mitchell, Jule Carnes, Jr.
Inclusive Dates: 1940-2005
Language(s): English
Extent: 5 Linear Feet 3 boxes, 3 oversized boxes
Collection Number: ms3399
Repository: Hargrett Library

Collection Description

Historical Note

The 47th Fighter Squadron became active in 1940 and was designated the 47th Pursuit Squadron, one of three squadrons in the 15th Pursuit Group. The 15th Fighter Group was in turn part of the 20th Air Force based on Iwo Jima. They were the only single engine fighter group flying VLR (Very Long Range) missions off Iwo Jima, and escorted B-29s to Japan.

The 47th Pursuit Squadron participated in numerous campaigns from 1940 to 1945, flying aircraft that included P-10, P-26, P-36, P-47, and P-51. The squadron was credited with shooting down eight Japanese aircraft on 7 December 1941, and was inactivated on 15 October 1946.

The 47th was re-designated the 47th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron in 1952. Many changes, moves, and reactivations have occured in the ensuing decades.

Scope and Content

Collection consists of photographs, writings and printed materials documenting the activities of the 47th Fighter Squadron during World War II, as well as its reunion activites and several artifacts from Iwo Jima.


Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

M.H. Mitchell, Inc. 47th Fighter Squadron collection, ms3399, Hargrett Rare Books and Manuscripts Library, University of Georgia Libraries.


Related Materials and Subjects

Subject Terms

47th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter)
World War, 1939-1945 -- Aerial operations, American.
World War, 1939-1945 -- Japan.

Related Collections in Other Repositories

The audiovisual materials related to this collection are housed in the Walter J. Brown Media Archives.


Series Descriptions and Folder Listing

 

1. World War II

boxfolder
11Photographs, 1941-2000
12Photographs (copies)
oversized_box
1Panoramas, photographs and slides
1Japanese Good Luck flags (2)
boxfolder
13Mission reports- 47th Fighter Squadron, 1945
14Mission reports- 15th Fighter Group, 1945
15Mission reports- Air Force Operation Reports, 1945
16Mission reports- copies, various
17Writings- Iwo Jima Diary, by Henry C. Ryniker, 1945 February 1-September 24
18Writings- book of humorous songs, by Henry G. Sanders, 1940-1945
19Writings- humorous poems, by Henry G. Sanders, 1940-1945
 

2. Veterans and Reunions

boxfolder
110Histories, WWII (photocopies)
111Clippings (mainly Georgia newspapers), 1940-1989
boxfolder
21-2Correspondence of Henry G. Sanders, 1977-1990
23Reunion bulletins and rosters, 1970-1979
24Reunions
25-6Member rosters, 1982-1991
27In Memory- members of the 47th who died during service
28Printed materials- Sunsetter's Gazette (newsletter of the 7th Fighter Command), 1987-2005
29Printed materials- newsletters including the Retrospect, the 8th AF News, the Bluenoser, Afterburner, , 1986-2002
210Printed materials- articles including "Chief of the Sunsetters", "Battle of Leyte Gulf- the Greatest Air and Sea Battle", "Iwo Jima: And I was there"; "Caught on the Ground"; Chapter #3 of an unidentified war narrative.
211Printed materials- magazines including Pacific Fighters, Pacific Air Combat WWII, and P-51 Mustang, 2002-2003
boxfolder
51Reunions - addresses, correspondence, 2002
52Reunions - correspondence with David Mitchell, 2000-2005
53Reunions - names, information sheets
54Printed material - 20th Air Force Association Newsletter, 2000-2001
55Printed material - The Spray, 2002
 

3. Artifacts - Iwo Jima

box
3Four wood-handled toothbrushes and one plastic toothbrush, with kanji (The orange plastic toothbrush has Japanese kanji written down its length. It reads, in short, "Top quality toothbrush.")
3Straw sandals, very thin, approximately size 8
3Jikatabi with kanji, ankle-high, rubber-soled, approximately size 10-11
3Various rocks, including smooth limestone and volcanic rocks, all from Iwo Jima
3Carton of tobacco cigarrettes, stamped "Imperial Japan" and printed with national flags
3Small carton of tobacco cigarettes, with green text and predator bird
3Box carton of tobacco cigarettes, with small kanji
3Military issued safety razor
3Accompanying objects for razor: one small box containing two blades and a cloth pad for the razor blade
3Olive green plastic case of kanji-inscribed eraser, Japanese coinage, needle and thread, and numerous pin tips
3One unmarked red chopstick
3Five blue pencils with kanji with paper band holding it together
3Two bamboo objects, likely water stoppers
box
4Golden-yellow senninbari with red thread throughout
4White tiger belt senninbari with red threaded tiger (The white tiger belt senninbari has its 1000 red stitches on the inside in the pattern of a tiger with two large red kanji on either side. It is not apparent which side the belt was worn as both sides have wear. The item was originally white but now is dirty and stained, as to be expected.)
4Tiny scrap of white cloth with Japanese kanji
43.5 foot long white flag with naval symbol and kanji
4Ornate white, blue, and purple bandana (possibly a hachimaki)
4Flotation bladder, air pillow
4Pouch with two metal buttons and kanji
4Two hachimaki with large kanji
4Silk cloth with several images
4Brown cloth with white kanji and colored stripes