Short Snorter from one of the most decorated WWII Aces of the European Theater.

This incredible WWII short snorter note is heavily signed by pilots and crew of the 8th AAF and 325th Fighter Group. This signed note was carried by Gerald B. Edwards, a WWII ACE and one of the most highly decorated and successful Allied pilots of the European Campaign in WWII. In his almost 29 years of service in the Air Force, Gerald B. Edwards flew P-40s, P-47s, and P-51s with the 325th Fighter group in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and Germany. He escorted bombers, flew fighter sweeps, with his group known as the Checker Tails. In his more than 60 missions over enemy territory Gerald took part in the action at Ploesti, The Invasion of Southern France in 1944, and many flights in and out of Russia, (bombing Germany along the way), knocking down three enemy planes in aerial combat and earning for himself the Distinguished Flying Cross, and 11 different Air Medals.

During World War II short snorters were signed by flight crews after a notable mission. They were meant to be carried at all times and conveyed good luck to the pilot.

For the American servicemen in World War II, the Short Snorters became not only a record of who a military-man had served with but also a drinking game and a status symbol. The word ‘snort’ is derived from the slang for a stiff drink, and a ‘short’ is less than a full measure.  When servicemen were out drinking they challenged each other to produce their Short Snorters.  Anyone who failed to do so was obliged to buy the round of drinks.