This WWII AAF A-2 Style Flight Jacket was part of an estate lot. It is attributed to a Vet in the 749th Bomb Squadron, 457th Bomb Group 8th Air Force, ETO (The Fireball Outfit).Jacket appears to be a private purchase style but looks very much like an issue style A-2. It is made of a thick, quality horsehide and is excellent overall with NO rips, tears or losses anywhere to the exterior. Snaps that function are present for the collar and pocket flaps and the zipper run/pull is the original Talon (see photos). Waistband & cuffs are original style but were replaced some time ago and are as new (see photo). Lining is original to the jacket and shows moderate wear with minor losses to the collar area (see photo). No makers tag is present to the neck area and manufacturer is unknown. Jacket fits the mannequin as a size 34. The measurements are: armpit seam to armpit seam across the front – 21 inches, shoulder seam to shoulder seam across the back – 17 inches, sleeve length to end of cuff material – 23.5 inches and height from collar seam to end of waistband material – 24 inches.
To the left chest is a theatre made/sewn embossed nametag. It has an embossed Gunners wing over the crewmembers name (J.M. Tabak). Left & right chest areas have stitch holes where squadron & bomb group patches were removed.
Reverse has a period painted name of, “The Fireball” with a mostly worn away fireball below (see photos). Lettering was well done but shows thinning & losses from wear (see photos).
The 749th Bomb Squadron was a B-17 unit that was stationed in Glatton, England during WWII. They were part of the 457th Bomb Group.
This is a very solid attributed jacket with a painted reverse and a theatre made name tag. It would display well and be a great addition to any WWII collection. It is guaranteed for life as original and as described. Great opportunity for AAF uniform collector to own an original WWII 8th AF A-2 style jacket. Super research project.