Trying to id wings and 2 ribbons

I just recently discovered that my biological grandfather was a pilot for the Air Transport Command, that was killed as a passenger in a plane crash. He spent his first year flying in Africa, and was promoted from a 1st Lt to Capt during that time. He then was transferred to the HQ of the ATC in Cincinnati. He was killed in Memphis after a engine failed on takeoff in ‘44.

I’m new to the forum, and have had trouble identifying 2 ribbons. Also trying to i.d. his wings, as I haven’t seen any like them.
I’m not sure which medals he was wearing when he crashed, so the wings he went down with may be different from these.

Any help is very much appreciated.

 

The last one is a very discolored Asiatic-Pacific ribbon with one bronze campaign star.

 

I suspect the wings are a "souvenir" item he picked up somewhere along the way - possibly during his time in Africa. Not standard USAAF wings.

 

Also not any ATC or Nationalist Chinese wings I am familiar with.

 

Thanks guys!

Here’s some more reading if you’re so inclined.
After I identify the ribbons and medals, I want to try and find something about his invention as seen here.

This is a fun ride and thanks again for helping me.

 

I’ll upload shortly. It’s too large.

 

First ribbon shown is a VFW membership ribbon.

 

IMG_8693.HEIC

 

At first I thought of Argentina but it was not. Definitely WWI I would say since the propellers on wings are no longer used on badges. I looked at civilian airlines but no luck.