Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal group of six awarded to Major Orlando Cartford Asper, a B-17 ‘Flying Fortress’ pilot

United States of America, Distinguished Flying Cross, bronze, slot brooch, in case of issue, with enamelled lapel miniature riband bar; Air Medal, bronze, with 3 clusters on riband, wrap brooch, in case of issue, with enamelled lapel miniature riband bar; American Campaign Medal 1941-45, bronze, crimp brooch, in box of issue; European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, bronze, crimp brooch, in box of issue; Victory Medal 1945, bronze, slot brooch, in box of issue; Army Occupation medal, bronze, crimp brooch; Distinguished Unit Citation badge, generally very fine or better (7) £400-£500

Orlando “Ole” Cartford Asper was born in Kikungshan, Henan Province, China on 13 June 1917, to Lutheran Missionary parents. Having returned to the United States, he attended Pacific Lutheran High School Division, Pacific Lutheran College, Parkland. Having joined the Army Air Corps Cadet Programme at Army Air Forces Advance Flying School, Stockton Field, California on 26 January 1942, qualifying as a pilot in November 1942, he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Air Force. From May 1943, he served as a Captain (pilot), flying B-17 Flying Fortress bombers of 96th Bomb Group, 45th Combat Wing, 3rd Air Division, 8th Air Force, from Snetterton Heath, England. Between May and October 1942, Asper was pilot of a B-17 named "Kipling's Error", flying at least 25 Missions over target in occupied France and Germany. On 13 August 1943, he was awarded his first Air Medal for 5 combat missions, three more were to follow. He was also awarded the 8th Air Force Certificate of Valour by General Eaker for 25 combat missions. After completing his tour, in October 1943, he returned to the U.S.A. as a Pilot Instructor, before returning to Europe as 1st Lieutenant, piloting twin engine aircraft passenger flights for European Air Transport Service. He also served as Administrative Officer for 8 months in 1946-7, duties including meeting and greeting dignitaries at Rhein Main Airfield, Germany. Appointed a Captain in the U.S.A.F. Reserve on 1 April 1948, he rejoined U.S.A.F. 7th Division Strategic Air Command as an Admin Officer in January 1951 and retired on 30 September 1965.

In civilian life, ‘Ole’ taught biology and science in York High School, Nebraska, and also taught at the University of Washington in Seattle. He later worked as an engineer for Boeing Aircraft Company in Seattle, where he worked on numerous projects, including hovercraft and hydroplanes; he also worked as a nuclear waste engineer for Westinghouse at Hanford Nuclear Plant in Richland, WA. He died on 3 April 1986, in Seattle, King county, Washington.

Sold with original 1942 Graduation book, Aviation Cadet Class 42-K. Army Air Forces Advanced Flying School, Stockton Field, California, 8th Air Force Certificate of Valour for 25 combat missions signed by General Ira Eaker, portrait photo, very extensive & detailed official copy of service record, personnel reports, and other original papers.