An airfield in Puerto Rico, an American bombardment squadron and a surviving wartime shirt form the basis of this distinctive Borinquen Field T-Shirt.
The artwork has been carefully recreated from an original example dating from the 1940-1945 period. The upper section carries the wording “10th Bomb. Sq.”, with a winged propeller in the centre and “Borinquen Field” printed underneath. The dark blue artwork reflects the simple and practical appearance of American military sports and leisure clothing from the period.
Borinquen Field was situated on the western coast of Puerto Rico and was used by the United States Army Air Forces during the Second World War. The design refers to the 10th Bombardment Squadron, which served as part of the 25th Bombardment Group.
This is not a modern fantasy design. It is a reconstructed version of an authentic period shirt. The straightforward lettering and uncomplicated winged-propeller motif give the reproduction the honest, functional appearance of original wartime unit clothing.
Available in white and natural. Suitable for everyday wear, re-enactment, living history events or as an addition to a USAAF impression.
A wearable connection to American air power in the wartime Caribbean.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The 10th Bombardment Squadron was constituted on 22 December 1939 and activated on 1 February 1940. The squadron was originally assigned to the 25th Bombardment Group and subsequently served at Borinquen Field in Puerto Rico.
From November 1940, Borinquen Field became one of the principal stations of the 25th Bombardment Group. The 10th Bombardment Squadron was one of the group’s operational components. American air units stationed throughout the Caribbean carried out patrol, surveillance and maritime-protection duties. The 25th Bombardment Group received the Second World War campaign streamer Antisubmarine, American Theater for this part of its service.
The wording and winged-propeller motif on the original shirt directly refer to the squadron and its wartime station. Unit shirts of this type were practical garments that could be worn during physical training, work or off-duty hours.
This T-shirt is a modern reproduction. The artwork is based on an original garment from the 1940-1945 period.
