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AV8 ACE
AV8 Ace 85th Bomber Squadron Tee
AV8 Ace 85th Bomber Squadron Tee
Regular price
$32.00 USD
Regular price
Sale price
$32.00 USD
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The 85th Bombardment Squadron was activated in early 1941 as part of the 47th Bombardment Group and initially trained at McChord Field, Washington. Equipped with the Douglas A-20 Havoc, the squadron was tasked with protecting the Pacific Northwest following the attack on Pearl Harbor, flying antisubmarine patrols along the West Coast in search of enemy naval forces. In late 1942, the 85th deployed to North Africa as part of the Twelfth Air Force, where it became one of the Army Air Forces' premier low-level attack units. Flying dangerous missions against heavily defended enemy airfields, troop concentrations, armored columns, and supply lines, the squadron quickly established a reputation for precision strikes and aggressive tactics during the Tunisian Campaign. It earned its first Distinguished Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism while attacking German forces during the Battle of Kasserine Pass in February 1943.
Following the Allied victory in North Africa, the 85th Bombardment Squadron played a major role in the air campaigns that paved the way for the invasion of Europe. The squadron participated in the aerial bombardment of the fortified islands of Pantelleria and Lampedusa, whose surrender demonstrated the decisive effect of sustained air power before supporting Operation Husky in July 1943. As Allied armies advanced into Italy, the 85th flew continuous close air support, interdiction, and battlefield attack missions against bridges, railroads, artillery positions, and enemy troop movements. In August and September 1944, the squadron temporarily shifted its focus to support Operation Dragoon, attacking transportation networks and retreating German forces before returning to the Italian front.
Throughout the war, the 85th Bombardment Squadron remained one of the most active tactical bomber units in the Mediterranean Theater. Its A-20 Havocs proved ideally suited for low-altitude bombing and strafing missions, delivering devastating attacks while operating from rough forward airfields close to the front lines. During the final Allied offensive in northern Italy, the squadron earned its second Distinguished Unit Citation for its relentless attacks in the Po Valley between April 21–24, 1945, helping cut off retreating German forces and hasten the collapse of Axis resistance. By the end of World War II, the 85th had established an outstanding combat record, demonstrating the effectiveness of tactical air power in supporting Allied ground forces and contributing significantly to victory in the Mediterranean Theater.
The tri-blend fabric creates a vintage, fitted look. And extreme durability makes this t-shirt withstand repeated washings and still remain super comfortable.
• 50% polyester, 25% combed ring-spun cotton, 25% rayon
• Fabric weight: 3.4 oz/yd² (115.3 g/m²)
• Pre-shrunk for extra durability
• 40 singles
• Regular fit
• Side-seamed construction
• Blank product sourced from Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, or the US
Disclaimer: The fabric is slightly sheer and may appear see-through, especially in lighter colors or under certain lighting conditions.
Following the Allied victory in North Africa, the 85th Bombardment Squadron played a major role in the air campaigns that paved the way for the invasion of Europe. The squadron participated in the aerial bombardment of the fortified islands of Pantelleria and Lampedusa, whose surrender demonstrated the decisive effect of sustained air power before supporting Operation Husky in July 1943. As Allied armies advanced into Italy, the 85th flew continuous close air support, interdiction, and battlefield attack missions against bridges, railroads, artillery positions, and enemy troop movements. In August and September 1944, the squadron temporarily shifted its focus to support Operation Dragoon, attacking transportation networks and retreating German forces before returning to the Italian front.
Throughout the war, the 85th Bombardment Squadron remained one of the most active tactical bomber units in the Mediterranean Theater. Its A-20 Havocs proved ideally suited for low-altitude bombing and strafing missions, delivering devastating attacks while operating from rough forward airfields close to the front lines. During the final Allied offensive in northern Italy, the squadron earned its second Distinguished Unit Citation for its relentless attacks in the Po Valley between April 21–24, 1945, helping cut off retreating German forces and hasten the collapse of Axis resistance. By the end of World War II, the 85th had established an outstanding combat record, demonstrating the effectiveness of tactical air power in supporting Allied ground forces and contributing significantly to victory in the Mediterranean Theater.
The tri-blend fabric creates a vintage, fitted look. And extreme durability makes this t-shirt withstand repeated washings and still remain super comfortable.
• 50% polyester, 25% combed ring-spun cotton, 25% rayon
• Fabric weight: 3.4 oz/yd² (115.3 g/m²)
• Pre-shrunk for extra durability
• 40 singles
• Regular fit
• Side-seamed construction
• Blank product sourced from Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, or the US
Disclaimer: The fabric is slightly sheer and may appear see-through, especially in lighter colors or under certain lighting conditions.
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