Item Description
Original Item: One-of-a-Kind. This is an absolutely beautiful World War Two American painted A-2 flight jacket. The jacket has a named and service number (Hagene 36732557), but we were unable to locate any service information. From the squadron patch present we were able to discover the unit and their history, the 83rd Bombardment Squadron of the 12th Bomb Group.
Constituted as 12th Bombardment Group (Light) on 20 Nov-1940. Activated on 15 Jan 1941. Trained with B-18, B-23, and PT-17 aircraft. Patrolled the west coast after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Redesignated 12th Bombardment Group (Medium) in Dec 1941. Using B-25's, began training early in 1942 for duty overseas. Moved to the Middle East, Jul-Aug 1942, and assigned to Ninth AF. Attacked storage areas, motor transports, troop concentrations, airdromes, bridges, shipping, marshaling yards, and other targets in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Pantelleria, Lampedusa, Crete, Sicily, and Italy, Aug 1942-Jan 1944. Supported the Allied drive from Egypt to Tunisia, Oct 1942-Apr 1943.
The A-2 jacket, which is in wonderful condition with a fantastic embroidered squadron insignia. The left chest features an incredible patch which appears to be a dive bombing winged grim reaper with a sword and shield, ready to attack. The colors are still very nice and easily discernible.
Jacket is in size US 36 and has retained all original components including original knit waist band and sleeve cuffs, something we often see replaced on A-2 jackets that saw extensive service. Also original is the TALON brand zipper which is still functional.
The interior lining does have tearing and stitching loss present, so do handle it with care. The top rear back portion of the liner still retains the original tag which reads as:
TYPE A2
DRAWING No. 30-1415
A.C.NO. W 33-038 AC 1761
PROPERTY
AIR FORCE U.S. ARMY
BRONCO MFG. CO.
NEW YORK, N.Y.
36
This is an incredible example of a hard to find painted A-2 jacket, offered in wonderful condition. Comes more than ready for further research and display.
Approximate measurements: Size 36
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
