From the private collection of Cpl. Michael Larriccia (35604380).
THIS IS ONE OF ONCE IN A LIFE TIME.
GROUPINGS LIKE THIS ONE ARE IN MUSEUMS OR PRIVATE COLLECTIONS. Many of the items from the 370th are displayed in the American Air Museum in Britain! Another listing very similar of a "WWII C-47 PILOT AIRBORNE TROOP CARRIER NORMANDY, BASTOGNE, MARKET GARDEN' just sold for $3,050. Take advantage of this amazing listing.
Cpl. Michael Larriccia participated in air offensive operations in Europe including Operation Market Garden (D-Day), as well as combat recorded operations in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe. During his service over the course of WWII Cpl. Michael Larriccia was awarded 6 Bronze Stars, EAME Theater Service Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, Good Conduct and Victory Medal. You will receive ALL of his personal items carried with him during his time with the 370th Fighter Group.
1. Very large 48 Star United States personal flag carried by Cpl. Michael Larriccia during his combat with the 370th. Shows lots of wear.
- 2 1943 dogs tags wit next of kin -
2. Pilot/Work goggles with all original parts. Strap is labeled with 'Michael Larriccia' and his serial number.
3. Michael Larriccia disscharge papers and full records with awards, service history, fingerprints, etc.
4. Theater made 9th Air Force patch with one that looks in pristine condition.
5. Lot of 7 postcards handwritten postcards
6. Full 5th of Nov. 1943 370th Fighter Group GI made newspaper.
7. Draft newspaper clipping of Michael Larriccia.
8. Mic. patches and rank
9. 1943 Math Review with writing and notes.
- History of the 370th Fighter Group -
The 370th Fighter Group was a unit of the Ninth Air Force that was located in the European Theater of Operations during World War II.
D-Day:
The group provided cover for Allied forces that crossed the Channel on 6 Jun 1944 for the Normandy landings. They flew armed reconnaissance missions over the Cotentin Peninsula until the end of the month.
The group moved to the Cardonville, France, on 24 Jul 1944 to support the drive of ground forces across France and into Germany.
They attacked gun emplacements, troops, supply dumps, and tanks during the Battle of Saint-Lô in July 1944 and the Falaise Pocket in the Falaise-Argentan area in August 1944. The group moved to La Vieille Airfield, France, on 15 August 1944.
The group sent planes and pilots to England to provide cover for the Operation Market Garden airborne assault on Holland in September 1944. The group struck pillboxes and troops early in October 1944 to support the First Army during the Battle of Aachen, and afterward struck railroads, bridges, viaducts, and tunnels in that area.
The group moved to Lonrai, France, 6 September 1944; Roye-Amy Airfield on 11 September 1944 and Florennes Air Base, Belgium, 26 September 1944.
A Distinguished Unit Citation was awarded to the group for a mission in support of ground forces in the Hurtgen Forest area on 2 Dec 1944. Despite bad weather and barrages of antiaircraft and small-arms fire, the group dropped napalm bombs on a heavily defended position in Bergstein, setting fire to the village and inflicting heavy casualties on enemy troops defending the area.
Battle of the Bulge:
The group flew armed reconnaissance during the Battle of the Bulge, December 1944-January 1945, attacking warehouses, highways, railroads, motor transports, and other targets. The group converted to North American P-51 Mustang aircraft starting in February 1945. The group moved to Zwartberg, Belgium, 27 January 1945.
Crossing the Rhine:
The group bombed bridges and docks in the vicinity of Wesel to prepare for the crossing of the Rhine, and patrolled the area as paratroops were dropped on the east bank on 24 March 1945. They supported operations of 2nd Armored Division in the Ruhr Valley in April 1945.
The group was stationed in Gutersloh, Germany, 20 April 1945. Their last mission was a sweep over Dessau and Wittenberg on 4 May 1945.
After Victory in Europe Day, the group moved to Sandhofen, Germany, 27 June 1945 and Fritzlar, Germany, from 6 August until September 1945.