This is an incredible B-4 flight bag named to Lt. Charles Shifler of Hagerstown, MD. He was a navigator on the Shady Lady, which was a B-24 Liberator bomber in the 528th Bomb Squadron, 380th Bomb Group. This unit saw heavy action in the southwest Pacific, bombing well-fortified Japanese oil refineries and dock installations. As the bag notes, the group was called the "Flying Circus" with bomber names such as "Bums Away", "Breadline in '49" and "Daddy Of Em All".
Charles survived the war and retired from Fairchild Corporation. He owned and operated Hub City Coin Up from 1963-1993. Among the 26 pages of included research on Charles and his unit is an article concerning Charles being awarded $750 from a lawsuit in which he was punched in the face by a man who was trying to pass him to put nickels in the jukebox of a local establishment. The blow caused Charles to eventually wear glasses!
The bag shows some wear and staining from age and use but the paint is in great shape and hard from age. Zippers have NOT been tested! This would make an incredible addition to any Army Air Force, Pacific Theater or WWII collection!
Condition: II+