WWII U.S. East Asia Blood Chit with the 48-Star Flag

Updated on April 24, 2026: This has been sold.

Issued for use by American airmen operating over East Asia during the Second World War, this blood chit was designed as a life-saving tool in the event of being shot down behind enemy lines.

At the top is a 48-star American flag. Below, the printed message identifies the bearer as an American pilot and asks for assistance. The text reads, in part:

“I am an American pilot. My plane is destroyed. I cannot speak your language. I am an enemy of the Japanese. Please protect me, care for me, and take me to the nearest Allied military office. The government of my country will reward you.”

This appeal is printed in multiple languages used across the region, including French, Annamese (Vietnamese), Thai, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Laotian—reflecting the wide geographic range in which these were deployed.

Each chit was individually numbered. Ours is number 85124.

Used primarily by U.S. Army Air Forces personnel flying over China-Burma-India and other parts of East Asia, blood chits were often carried sewn into flight jackets or tucked into gear, intended to communicate with civilians who might assist downed airmen.

There is an identical blood chit in the collection of the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum that is listed as a gift of Sam Folsom, Lt. Col. USMC. It is number 67980. This article includes a photo of that chit.

Size: 11.5" H x 9.5" W

Shipping: $10. Please allow two weeks fro shipping.