Uruguayan Air Force Wings Miniature Lapel Pin Awarded to Maj Gen John K. Hester

Description

This is a Lapel Pin Version of the Pilot's Wings of the Uruguayan Air Force Obtained by Major General John K. Hester, US Air Force.
This small little curio is in fantastic condition. It has very little patina to the golden exterior and the enameled roundel is absolutely perfect. Something that small with such detail intact 60+ years later is quite impressive.
The center roundel is the current roundel of Uruguay and has an interesting significance as it is the
Flag of Artigas. Not only are these colors one of the official flags of Uruguay but also is considered a very important symbol in Uruguay's history going as far back as the 19th Century.
Another interesting fact about this little wing is that the makers mark on the back clearly states 'Tammaro,' which is a jeweler still in business today in Uruguay.
This lot includes a vintage studio photo of General Hester.
Major General Hester's career began in 1938 and eventually took him to China where he flew 50 combat missions against the Japanese as a fighter pilot with the 14th Air Force, the famous "Flying Tigers." Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, and Air Medal as a Squadron Commander, Hester later served on Curtis LeMay's Air Staff and became the Commanding General of the 17th Air Force at Ramstein AFB, Germany. His promising career was cut short when he succumbed to injuries resulting from a military parachute jump in April 1965. To learn more about General Hester's remarkable career, click on the attached video! This artifact has been entrusted to Heritage Arsenal for consignment by the family of Major General John K. Hester and has not previously been resident in any collection or museum.
Watch the below video for more information on John K. Hester!
Remembering Major General John K Hester -\"Flying Tiger\" Distinguished Flying Cross Recipient
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