Emergency Bailout
Caterpillar Club
April 12, 1944
The Caterpillar Club is an informal association of people who have successfully used a parachute to bail out of a disabled aircraft. Richard became a member on April 12, 1944, when his B-24 was shot down over Belgium.
Caterpillar Club Pin
The gold caterpillar pin awarded to members, featuring a small ruby eye.
Membership Card
Official Caterpillar Club membership card issued by Switlik Parachute Company.
Switlik Letter
Letter from the Switlik Parachute Company welcoming Richard to the club.
View full letterAbout the Caterpillar Club
The Caterpillar Club was founded in 1922 and takes its name from the silk threads that caterpillars produce, as early parachutes were made of silk. The club's motto is "Life depends on a silken thread."
Membership is open to anyone who has made an emergency parachute jump from a disabled aircraft. During World War II, thousands of Allied airmen became members after bailing out over enemy territory. The distinctive gold caterpillar pin, with its ruby eye, became a symbol of survival against the odds.