United States / Important Nationalist Chinese "Chit", World War II. Framed (outside dimensions 13.25 x 15 in.)
Exhibition Histroy
Second Presidio Exhibit, 2003 - GALLERY VI
(LV100/ZFC0744)
World War II Allied Airmans Chit and Shoulder Sleeve Insignia
Date: 19441945
Medium: Dyed leather
Comment: In the early years of World War II, American airmen serving in the China-Burma-India theater wore a special unofficial leather or silk patch on the back of their leather flight jackets. These large chits displayed a representation of the United States flag together with the flag of the Republic of China.
Below the flags on a white section of the chit a message in Chinese characters explained that the airman wearing this patch was a friend of the people of China and was allied with their government against the Japanese. It went on to indicate that if the airman was discovered within Chinese lines after being shot down, he should be escorted to Republic of China forces unharmed. The prospect of a reward for doing so was implied.
Provenance: Acquired by the Veninga Flag Collection (LV100/ZFC0744) in 1998.
Publication History:
Madaus, Howard M., Dr, Whitney Smith, The American Flag: Two Centuries of Concord and Conflict. Santa Cruz: VZ Publications, 2006, p. 133.
World War II Allied Airmans Chit
After the Japanese invasion of China in the 1930s, the aviators of the American Volunteer Group adopted a patch bearing a Chinese national flag and Chinese inscription. With Americas entrance into World War II, American airmen serving in the China- Burma-India theater wore a special unofficial leather or silk patch on the back of their flight jackets.
These large chits displayed a representation of the United States flag together with the flag of the Republic of China. Below the flags, on a white section, a message in Chinese characters explained that the airman wearing this patch was a friend of the people of China and was allied with their government against the Japanese. It went on to indicate that if the airman was discovered within Chinese lines after being shot down, he should be escorted to Republic of China forces unharmed. Translation of Chinese: [I have] come to China to
aid in the war effort [against the Japanese]. [I am] a foreigner, an American. The army and civilians form a single group. Please rescue [me]. Air Force Council.
Date: 1944 1945
Size: 9" x 11"
Medium: Dyed leather, sewn
Provenance: Acquired by the Veninga Flag Collection in 1998.
LV100 / ZFC0744
ZFC Noteworthy Flag
Item is Framed
