^Lot 39 World War II: Sacred Cow

Unbelievably rare ‘Sacred Cow’ flight patch worn by its flight engineer Fred Winslow. Patch measures 4.75? in diameter and depicts a flying white cow with a gold halo over its head, a bell around its neck, and an "up/down" elevator switch on its belly.

Franklin D. Roosevelt, was the first sitting president to fly in an aircraft, when he traveled on a Boeing 314 flying boat to the 1943 Casablanca Conference to discuss the progress of World War II with Winston Churchill. As this aircraft did not suit FDR’s needs, the Secret Service reconfigured a C-54 Skymaster as a replacement. Nicknamed the Sacred Cow, it contained a sleeping area, a radio telephone, and a retractable elevator to lift the president and his wheelchair in and out of the plane. FDR hated flying, but given time constraints and threats from German submarines, Roosevelt used the Sacred Cow to travel to a few important events, most notably the 1945 Yalta Conference.

Also included is Winslow’s leather navigator’s case, 17 x 12.5, stenciled on the front, “Pilots Navigation Kit, Air Corps, United States Army.” Zip case opens up with several green pockets and pouches, five pencils, three unused, and Winslow’s identification card in the see through panel “T/Sgt. F. A. Winslow, Air Transport Command, Bolling Field, Washington, D. C.” Among the other items are various items from the Sacred Cow, the Independence, and Air Force One, including match books, stationery, pen, and gin rummy score sheets. Also included are several news clippings with photos of the Cow’s crew and of Winslow, a name tag, wings, and other photocopies of information, and a press release announcing the retirement of the Sacred Cow. In fine condition, with expected light wear and soiling.