A Lost Treasure - THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO THE ARMY AIR FORCES

By John P. Conway

I remember as a child, in the early 1960's, any form of reference on military insignia was extremely limited. I can probably go back and recite, one by one, the references I used as I stumbled upon them. Of course there were those wonderful National Geographic issues of 1943. Richly illustrated with data based on fact from official sources of the time. I can't imagine how many times they were used to settle an argument or resolve a question for interested parties all over the world. They are probably still used as standard reference by many. We refer to our tattered copies almost daily!

I best recall Evan Kerrigan's books, one on insignia and one on medals. Not as well illustrated as National Geographic, the images were all line drawings, but it covered a broader scope of material (Rev. war to 1960's) and offered more detailed information. I discovered the Kerrigan books at the Library when I was perhaps nine or ten and persuaded my parents to order copies for me for Christmas that year. I think those two very beautiful (to me) hardbound books were all of about $7.50 each in 1966! I still have them.

 In a few isolated cases I was referred to the wonderful ASMIC "Trading Post" publications. ASMIC (American Society of Military Insignia Collectors) started in the early post-war years and is still going strong. By the time ASMIC information worked it's way down to me it was little more then recollections from other collectors or perhaps a loose page or two. The ASMIC group is probably the most successful element of the collecting community to perpetuate the hobby and they're still doing it!

Among assorted other reference works I found, there were military manuals and related government publications, not the least of which was "The Official Guide to the Army Air Forces". This absolutely delightful reference was published by the AAF Aid Society in May of 1944. It was first published in a hard cover binding and then a month later in a soft bound, "Pocket Book" edition. These are the most commonly found versions today.

The Pocket Book edition is a whopping 380 pages with a complete index! There are extensive illustrations and color plates featuring a few squadron patches, all of the numbered AAF sleeve patches up to the time (the 20th Air Force didn't exist!) and one plate featuring the top decorations and common service ribbons. Each one of the wings representing a pilot, observer or crew position is illustrated with extensive information on who wore the wing, what they did to earn it and the duties associated with it. This information is categorized under "Aeronautical Ratings". This approach to a reference book serves to educate the collector on the "official" nomenclature of the time and gives one a look at the people who wore the things we collect and the times they lived in. I think the major effect,  other then providing information, is we get a distinct feel of the time. Understanding the background is a real key to sharpening your collecting skills.

The timing of the book may have been deliberate as the invasion of the continent was pending and there would soon be a lot of military jargon and reports on operations in the newspaper. The existence of an "Official" reference source seemed appropriate for the largest branch of all the armed forces. It would also, no doubt, bolster recruitment as it is also very stimulating from a technical standpoint. Data indicates it took 10 men on the ground to keep one man flying. A lot of young men needed to be "inspired" to join the AAF!

Most, if not all the aircraft in AAF Inventory are covered. The technicalities of formation flying, tactics, interaction between aircraft, runways and the people who build them, flight instruction, tables of organization & production, armament, rank, specialties, battle honors and even a chronological chart of historical highlights are detailed and inmost cases well illustrated. In addition to the index there is a substantial bibliography and a dictionary of nomenclature as well as slang terms used by airmen. To further educate the collector there is information on each numbered air force, it's location, purpose, etc., and  data with photos of 17 AAF Medal of Honor recipients.

This old book tends to get overlooked by collector's in general. I've never seen it mentioned in any collector's reference or publication. Perhaps those who know about it would prefer it remain a well kept secret! The paperback is a touch on the small side and, unless you're really focused, it's not exactly light reading. The good thing is the book seems to be available from time to time (we have an issue on the current gold auction) and it has been reprinted in hardbound format. "The Official Guide to the Army Air Forces" should be considered standard reference for anyone interested in WWII American military collectables. A good reference library is the key to some very rewarding experiences in the hobby!