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Two U.S. A-2 Flight Jackets and One 9th Air Force Ike Jacket

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:600.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Two U.S. A-2 Flight Jackets and One 9th Air Force Ike Jacket
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1) USAAF Monarch A-2 flight jacket size 42. The left chest has an USAAF name tag (W.F. Schmidt) over a chenille "Pursuit to Defend" 55th Fighter Group patch. The left shoulder as a USAAF decal. In October 1943, the 55th Fighter Group began operations with P-38s and converted to P-51s in July 1944 and primarily escorted B-17s and B-24s on their way to bomb targets in Europe. 2) USAAF Colonel's, British made Eisenhower jacket with a 9th bullion patch on the right shoulder, bullion insignia on both shoulders, "US" collar insignia, and three rows of ribbons sewn above the left chest pocket. The left sleeve has service bars and chevrons. The ribbons include the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and Bronze Star. 3) A-2 flight jacket featuring a large photographic reconnaissance patch and a large bombardment patch. The left chest has a leather name tag "T.E. MARCHBANKS" with leather major insignia on the shoulders. Pictured on page 173 of "American Flight Jackets". The left chest has a chenille 601st Bombardment Group patch and the right chest has an embroidered 155th Photographic Reconnaissance squadron patch. Deployed to England in November 1943, the 601st Bombardment Group participated in the air offensive over Europe flying B-17s. The 155th Photographic Reconnaissance squadron participated in the Normandy invasion and the campaign in central Europe and flew various aircraft such as P-70s, A-20s, and F-3s. Tom E. Marchbanks, Jr. was assigned to the 601st Bombardment Squadron, Eighth Air Force, in England, and served as squadron operations officer and as squadron commander. He participated in 35 combat missions (total of 252 flying hours), which earned him a special commendation for meritorious service. During the Korean War, he participated in 100 missions with the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group and in 1953 he was an active member of the 433rd Troop Carrier Wing, Air Force Reserve and would become the General Chief of Air Force Reserves, in Washington D.C..
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Condition: 1) Very good, with the exception of some wear/moth holes to the cuffs and waist band and some minor wear and a few areas of age cracking on the leather. Half of the decal remains and the patch is fine with the exception of a couple small stains. 2) Very good, with some discoloration on the sleeves and on the body below the left sleeve and some fraying on the cuffs. The right sleeve has an area of wear, a few moth holes and an area of lost stitching near the cuff. The lining has some repairs and a few tears. 3) Fair-good, with a long tear on the back near the collar, a few minor tears, moderate age cracking and dry rot on the shoulders and sleeves, and some tears in the lining. Tag has been removed and the right pocket snap is absent. Reconnaissance patch is soiled and the bombardment patch is fine.