"The Ace of Spades Was Used By the 101st Airborne Before" Topic

… It Became the ‘Death Card'

"Symbols during wartime are important and, more than that, they are powerful. Winston Churchill famously used the "V for Victory" symbol during World War II, which was adopted by the United Kingdom as a way to stick it to their enemies. Likewise, Uncle Sam became a powerful symbol for US military enlistment.

The ace of spades became one of these very symbols when it was used by US troops during the Vietnam War. Although the symbol was popularized during the conflict, it wasn't the first time card suits were used in wartime with a bigger meaning behind them…"

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Armand

So, yes, but not really.

Simply a TRF for 506th P.I.R.

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Armand

At one time it was the symbol of VF-41

Obligatory video link : YouTube link

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Armand

Not unlike the 'Corps Badges' used by Union troops during the Civil War.

(smile)

Armand

Another "military" use of the Ace of Spades. I had a good friend who would buy packs of cards and take out just the Ace of Spades. He then would use various means to get fighter aces to sign the cards (one to a card). He would display the card in a binder next to a picture of the Ace as well as some stats. He collected primarily WW II pilots (allied AND axis) as well as more modern ones. He gifted me one of Air Force Captain Richard "Steve" Ritchie one of only two US pilot aces in Vietnam. He would go on to make Brigadier General. I suspect this was a one of a kind in his collection but he claimed it was a spare. By the way the only other pilot ace was the Navy's Lt Randall "Duke" Cunningham. The other 3 Aces were all weapons systems officers.

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Armand