What Linked Members of the Caterpillar Club in WW2?

During World War II, members of the Caterpillar Club were linked by their shared experience of successfully using a parachute to bail out of a damaged aircraft. The Caterpillar Club was founded in 1922 by Leslie Irvin, a pioneer in the development of the parachute, to honor those who had saved their lives by using one.

Parachutes were a vital piece of equipment for aircrew during WW2, as they provided a last resort for survival in the event of an aircraft being shot down or experiencing mechanical failure. Members of the Caterpillar Club often wore a distinctive gold pin in the shape of a caterpillar to signify their membership and the fact that they had cheated death.

One famous member of the Caterpillar Club was President George H.W. Bush, who was a pilot in the U.S. Navy during WW2 and had to bail out of his aircraft after it was hit by enemy fire. He later went on to become the 41st President of the United States.

Being a member of the Caterpillar Club was a badge of honor for those who had faced the ultimate test of courage and survival during WW2. It served as a reminder of the risks that aircrew faced every time they flew a mission and the importance of having a reliable parachute as a means of escape.

The legacy of the Caterpillar Club lives on today, with members still being inducted for successfully using a parachute to save their lives in emergency situations. The club serves as a testament to the bravery and skill of the men and women who served as aircrew during WW2 and the importance of having the right equipment to ensure their survival.

In conclusion, members of the Caterpillar Club in WW2 were linked by their shared experience of using a parachute to escape from a damaged aircraft. Their stories of courage and survival serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by aircrew during the war and the importance of having the right equipment to ensure their safety.

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