Leather Flight Jacket Question

[pacreamer]

I'm looking to get a flight jacket made up in honor of my Great Uncle James. He was a member of the 761 squadron, 460th BG (aircraft #42-51408) Dinah Might.

He was shot down over Poland on the 9/13/44 mission, bombing Oswiecim, Poland - later a POW in Stalag 14. In my research, I found a webpage made by a surviving officer of the crew. If anyone is interested, the page is pretty informative regarding this specific incident. Apparently there is now a monument in Poland, honoring the American crew of this crash; of which my Uncle was a part of.

Anyway, back to my jacket questions. Since he was a nose gunner, I'm pretty sure he was a TSG. I know this information is easily obtained and I'm pretty sure I have it some where.

Since he was an NCO? what type of flight jacket would he have worn? B-3?

Does anyone have an image of the 761 squadron? I'm really interested in finding a good image of the 761 squadron emblem! The 460th emblem is easily found.

What are your favorite makers? Eastman, Buzz Rickson, Good Wear??

Also, if anyone has any connections to 460th vets, I would love to reach out to them if possible.

A big thanks for all your help!

https://sites.google...eutman-pow/home

 

[Broadsword_7]

Is this the emblem you need? 761 B.S.(H). It's a leather patch. I believe this is correct.

[pacreamer]

Thanks for the reply.

 

That's the 460th Group emblem. It's pretty cool!

 

I was just curious if there was a 761st Squadron emblem?

 

-Pete

[Broadsword_7]

Oops, is this it? Looks like it may be an unofficial version.

[pacreamer]

That's probably it! I've never seen one before, so I really don't know.

 

I'll have to try tracking them down to add to my collection. I think the 460th one would be easier to find. I wouldn't put an original on my jacket though. I'll apply a repro.

 

Any ideas on the type of jacket I should be looking at?

[Broadsword_7]

I can't comment on the other brands, but here is my Eastman/Roughwear A-2.

[Broadsword_7]

One thing to remember, these jackets are not cut oversize like today's. They are pretty much "slim and trim" like they were back then.

[Broadsword_7]

In the end, it's up to you, and whatever you can afford. The Eastman's are well made, and quite accurate. They are also expensive. I got mine slightly used so that helped. I have a Rickson B-15C (modified) that I like a lot also.

[pacreamer]

Awesome. Yeah, they look great! I was eyeing Eastman stuff! The Real McCoys jackets are great too.

 

Since he was an enlisted man, a TSG, they would have worn, say a B-3 jacket; as opposed to an a-2?? I'm just not sure what type of jacket he would have been issued?

[pacreamer]

This a a beautiful B-3 from Real McCoys.

 

 

07231635_5b558532bc605_dae1e128-9a4a-45ca-926a-8af9a6bed336_2050x by pacreamer1, on Flickr

[Broadsword_7]

I would say it would be a pretty safe bet to go with the B-3 Jacket for that time period. Good luck!

[Johnny Signor]

761st Bombardment Squadron emblem , each "Squadron" had a Square patch w/Panther and the last digit of the Squadron on small tab they went "clock wise " around the square , …….

I can make you a leather patch of the Group & Squadron if interested …….

Johnny Signor

[pacreamer]

Hi Johnny,

 

That would be great! Shoot me a PM.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kammo-man]

Eastman does great jackets imho

Owen

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[vintageproductions]

Eastman does the best

[pacreamer]

I appreciate all the help!

[Johnny Signor]

I appreciate all the help!

I sent you a "PM" about making the leather patches …….

Johnny Signor

[Woodymyster]

Jaket belonged to a pilot of the 760th Bomb Sq (H), 460th Bomb Gp.

[Woodymyster]

Back

[Woodymyster]

Scarf

[m1ashooter]

I've been looking at his groups aircrew pictures an he probably was also issued an A2 jacket.

[pacreamer]

That jacket is absolutely jaw dropping!

 

I’ll check out some group photos. I don’t know why I didn’t think to do that.

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk