Another absolute rocker of a painted A2 that I've been very fortunate enough to find! This really wonderful jacket belonged to Captain Robert Louis Bright, a native of Jackson, Tennessee, a pilot who flew B-17s with the 410th Bomb Squadron of the 94th Bomb Group. The reverse depicts a B-17 of the 94th with the correct tail markings, and rather unusually this fortress is equipped with H2X radar navigation equipment, commonly known as a pathfinder, that replaced the ball-turrett beneath the body of the aircraft. If you look closely at the artwork you can see the names of the crew written beneath their positions, particularly Bob beneath the pilot's seat. Beneath the aircraft is a falling bomb with 25, symbolic of the number of missions to complete a tour in the ETO. On the front of the jacket is a painted 410th Bomb Squadron patch, along with Robert's name tag. There is evidence of shoulder ranks having been removed.
This one took me a little time to research, but I eventually found two newspaper articles, one published in December 44 and a second in June 45. Both mention Bright, the first as he receives his first Air Medal, and the second having flown many more missions received a Distinguished Flying Cross. These two articles gave me a little more information. Born March 4th 1920, passed 14th March 1977, married to Charlotte in 1942. Unfortunately I can't find an obituary to provide any more on his life.
Condition
In solid shape for an A2. There is a 3/4" crack through the leather toward the top of the fortress. A previous owner had tried to glue this, fortunately with great care and patience I was able to remove the glue without further damage to the leather or artwork. Otherwise this piece is in great shape, knits and zipper are perfect, leather is solid, though as common with goatskin this is a little tight. A perfect piece for display, and whilst this is in excellent shape, I would never recommend these jackets be worn.
Size
- Tagged a size 38