WWII US NAVY FLIGHT JACKETS M-422, M-422A , M-421A , M-445A , AN-J-3A , AN-6552

[jpstout]

Patch and back of jacket...

[jpstout]

Size tag and Conmar zipper...

[jpstout]

Here is a jacket from an aircrew man while overseas with the VMF-413 marine squadron. This belonged to Ed Naparkowsky and I obtained it when I bought his WW2 grouping. If there is one squadron that is well documented in wartime photos, VMB-413 is it. However, while many items from this unit surface, the patch insignia is elusive. Yes, the PX version is out there and really not that uncommon. On the other hand the theatre patches on their flight jackets are elusive. This particular jacket that Ed had is consistent with the Navy's Deck N4, or what others have called the Navy M1941 version. If this is not correct, then by all means, let me know what I have. The jacket has some interesting features which I will post.

A year or 2 later, I had the jacket verified by a fellow squadron member, Vern Aiken. Vern broke down after I showed him the jacket and I came to find out that Ed and Vern were very best friends during the war and after. In fact, some of the photos in Ed's grouping were from Vern. I eventually bought Verns AN-J3a a year later to help him with finances.

If this does fit this thread, mods, please move...pat

[jpstout]

The name tag is very interesting. I presume he had that done in part to cover up the USN that appears to have been applied to these N4 jackets. The setup is pretty neat.

[jpstout]

Absent both manufacture tag and the adjustment straps seen on M1941

[TLeo]

Those are some great jackets Pat.

[jpstout]

Those are some great jackets Pat.

Hey, Tom, thanks! Here is M422 A(?) Gordon & Ferguson worn by Flight Surgeon Arthur M Grossman while attached to MAG-25. Worn, but solid. 1943 & 44, it appears he was on Tontouta, New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, Munda and New Georgia. Late war, he was ARS-3 in the states...tag literally hanging on by a thread.

[jpstout]

Front...

[jpstout]

More...

 

[bazelot]

Very nice jackets. thanks for sharing

[KASTAUFFER]

More...

 

 

Thats a nice jacket! I remember when Bob Gill had that years ago.

 

Kurt

[KASTAUFFER]

I just picked this up for a decent price from Mohawk Arms. It is a WWII contract M-422A Ostermann worn by a Marine Aviator in WWII and Korea. During WWII he flew with VMTB-131 . He became a Capt in 1951 and a Major in 1954 which dates the name tag to that time period. During Korea he served with MACG 2. My guess is this is the same jacket he wore in WWII. The zipper on the jacket is a Conmar replacement from either WWII or Korea. It has been on this jacket for many many years. Everything else is original.

 

 

[KASTAUFFER]

 

 

[jpstout]

Kurt, that is a nice jacket! Especially, a VMBT-131 aviator.

 

Does it have any inside evidence of a prior name tag?

 

pat

[JDK]

Haven't checked this thread out in a while. Nice additions guys! Nice patched up navy jackets are always a great score!

 

JD

[jpstout]

Here is an ANJ3A, Burjac Sportswear Inc, belonging to Vern Aiken when he was in the VMB-413. The knits and collar have been replaced. Vern said I could replace them, but I have just left it the way it was. Vern took a lot of time to make me understand what it was like as a tail gunner in those 25's, LOL. What a ride that must have been!

[jpstout]

A few more pics...

[donclarke]

Hey, Tom

 

Some few years ago, you helped me to get some research on my dad, Donald G. Clarke, USMC. Since then, I have completed a disc with his life, military experiences, etc. You are welcome to have a copy....

 

Recently, I stumbled on a site owned by S.H. who owns a gun shop in California. I almost fell over to see my dad's flight jacket on the site! He is a wonderful guy and offered to "reunite" the jacket with our family, which is being done. He mentioned he bought it from someone...I remembered the name and kind of concluded he purchased it from you at one point or another.

 

The history of the jacket, and its travel thru time is as important as the jacket is. What can you tell me about the jacket and where and how you came to receive it (assuming of course, you had it at one point). Our family is elated to have this important piece of family history. Your help and comments would be wonderfully appreciated... Best wishes...Don Clarke

 

Please email or text me, as I do not get to this site very [email protected] Thanks, Tom!

[jpstout]

I know, another marine jacket, LOL. VMF-321, M422A, Willis & Geiger, in relatively poor shape. But, oh, that stenciled insignia!! And very, very hard to find. You just don't go down to Kmart for these painted marine flight jackets. Almost afraid to have put this one on Bob, my dummy, due to rot...the rest of the time, it is flat and stored. I believe this one may have been pecarded at one time, oh well.

 

 

[jpstout]

Tag, missing name plate, and example of rot....

[AmericanDrifter]

M-4444 by Willis and Geiger. Attack Squadron 55 Torpcats Id'd to Henry Suersetdet Jr..

[Navybean]

I picked this M422A jacket up a couple years ago for 10.00. The jacket is pretty rough but jacket has a interesting twill type squadron patch.

The jacket is identified to WL Aller Lt. USN. Jacket is pretty rough and probably used during Korea? Marked USN in Black behind the collar. Rough liner and zipper but interesting squadron patch.

[Navybean]

I picked this M422A jacket up a couple years ago for 10.00. The jacket is pretty rough but jacket has a interesting twill type squadron patch.

The jacket is identified to WL Aller Lt. USN. Jacket is pretty rough and probably used during Korea? Marked USN in Black behind the collar. Rough liner and zipper but interesting squadron patch.

[Navybean]

couple more pics

[Navybean]

couple more pics