A Second War Distinguished Flying Cross group of six awarded to P-38 ‘Lightning’ and P-51 ‘Mustang’ fighter pilot Captain Gene Harold Cole, who was credited with 2 ‘Victories’; during the Korean War, his F-80 ‘Shooting Star’ was shot down over North Korea when he was wounded and taken prisoner

United States of America, Distinguished Flying Cross, bronze, slot brooch reverse engraved ‘Gene H. Cole’, in case of issue; Air Medal, bronze, with 1 silver and 2 bronze clusters on riband, in case of issue, this with Cole’s U.S.A.F. leather uniform name tag glued to front, with enamelled lapel miniature riband bar; Purple Heart, gilt and enamel, slot brooch, in case of issue, with enamelled lapel miniature riband bar; Air Force Long Service medal, bronze, slot brooch; American Defense Service Medal, bronze, slot brooch, in box of issue; U.N. Korea Medal, slot brooch, in box of issue, very fine (6) £700-£900

Gene H. Cole was born in Huntington Park, Los Angeles, California on 20 October 1921, and enlisted as a Private in the Air Corps at Santa Ana AAB on 21 July 1942. Accepted for pilot training, he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on 5 December 1943, on completion of his basic training. Posted to 343 Fighter Squadron, 55 Fighter Group in England, as a P-38 Lightning pilot on 25 May 1944. As part of the Eighth Air Force Fighter Command, 343 squadron provided cover for B-17's and B-24's that bombed aircraft plants during Big Week in February 1944, and later gun emplacements during the St Lo breakthrough in July 1944.

For his services, Cole was awarded the Air Medal on 6 July 1944, for:
‘Exceptionally meritorious service in aerial flight over enemy occupied Continental Europe. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by these officers reflect great credit upon themselves and the Armed Forces of the United States.’

He was awarded a second Air Medal (First Cluster) on 27 July, a third (Second Cluster) on 26 August and fourth (Third Cluster) on 15 September, 1944, all with similar citations.

On 9 July 1944, he converted to the P-51 (Mustang) fighter, naming his ‘ship’ “Miss Jane the 1st”. He claimed an Me-109 destroyed (ground) S/Augsburg on 10 September 1944, and another Me-109 destroyed (air) Eisenach-Gotha on 13 September 1944. Later in September, the squadron patrolled the Arnhem sector in support of the airborne drops and Cole was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on 3 October 1944:
‘For extraordinary achievement as a fighter pilot in aerial combat over Germany and German occupied Continental Europe. The courage and skill with which Lieutenant Cole flew his aircraft and engaged attacking enemy fighters have on many occasions assisted heavy bomber formations to reach their targets and return to their bases with a minimum of loss. The devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Cole on these escort flights, and his disregard for personal safety in exposing himself to the hazards of low flying strafing missions reflect the highest credit on himself and the Army Air Force.’

His fifth and sixth Air Medals (Fourth and fifth Clusters) followed on 21 October and 20 November 1944:
‘For meritorious achievement while serving as a fighter pilot during an extended period of aerial combat over Germany and German occupied Continental Europe. The courageous devotion to duty and outstanding flying ability displayed by these officers reflect the highest credit upon themselves and the Armed Forces of the United States.’

Cole made his last combat flight on 9 November 1944, and returned to the USA. His seventh Air Medal (Sixth Cluster) followed on 11 June 1945:
‘For meritorious achievement in destroying one enemy aircraft on a fighter combat operation while over Germany and German occupied Continental Europe. The aggressiveness, courage and devotion to duty displayed by these officers reflect the highest credit upon themselves and the Armed Forces of the United States.’

Cole was recalled in March 1951, and in April 1952 he was posted to the 35th (The Black Panthers) Fighter Bomber Squadron, based at K-13 airfield (Suwon) Korea, as an F-80C (Shooting Star) pilot. Taking part in combat operations there from 27 June 1950 to 27 July 1953. Theirs was probably the most dangerous work, flying low level fighter-Bomber attacks on targets in North Korea.

On 6 August 1952, flying F-80C Shooting Star #49-741 on his 6th combat mission, Cole was shot down by ground fire over Huichon, North Korea. His aircraft was seen to be hit by ground fire and burst into flames, he was not observed to bail out. However, although wounded, he did successfully get out of the burning aircraft and was taken Prisoner of War by the North Koreans, remaining captive until finally repatriated on 31 August 1953. On the 11 March 1954, he was promoted to Temporary Captain, and on 24 September the rank was made permanent. On 21 February 1955, Cole was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in action against the enemy on 6 August 1952, and on 19 March 1955, he was awarded his eighth Air Medal (Seventh Cluster):
‘For meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight in Korea as a member of the Far East Air Forces. Despite the hazards of marginal weather conditions, aerial interception, and intense anti-aircraft artillery fire, his exceptional airmanship in combat operations against the enemy contributed immeasurably to the successful execution of the United Nations mission. The technical skill, personal courage, and selfless devotion to duty which he displayed reflected the highest credit upon himself, his organisation, and the United States Air Force.’

Cole continued to serve in the Air Force, moving to ground status in January 1961, before taking disability retirement on 17 August. He died in Orange County, California on 16 September 1989, age 68, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery.

Sold with a large quantity of research including an official copy of his service records, this including his medal citations, and flight log sheets (logbook equivalent).