^Lot 42 Robert Cardenas

B-24 pilot with the 506th Bomb Squadron during World War II. Shot down over France, he eluded capture and fought alongside the French Resistance until repatriation. He then became a test pilot and was the Officer-In-Charge and the launch pilot who flew the B-29 ‘drop plane’ that launched Chuck Yeager in the Bell X-1. Cardenas’s personally-owned and-worn Type CWU T/P flight suit. Sage green nylon suit bears a manufacturer’s label sewn inside of collar which reads, “Coverall, Flying Men’s Type CWU T/P; Size: Medium Short; Sandler Brothers Inc.” Suit also features an embroidered name tag with wings, “Robert L. Cardenas, Colonel U.S.A.F,” over left breast, a colorful 51st Fighter Group patch over right breast, and embroidered Colonel’s tabs on both shoulders. Suit has all the expected pockets from head to toe and zipper retains its original leather pull tab. In fine condition, with expected distress and wear, as well as a few small stains. A well-preserved flight suit from a highly decorated and respected Air Force officer who saw service in both World War II and Vietnam.