B-10 flight jackets

[M-1Helmet.com]

Hi, is there anyone with a specific interest for B-10 flight jackets?
I have a couple in my collection, see pic.
Would like to discuss this great design jacket, makers etc.

Thanks,

 

Pete

[warguy]

Wowza Pete I would say you do have an interest in these. What a collection! Your white collared one is beautiful! I have admired these for a long time as well. Nice clean examples have all but dried up it seems. After waiting  several years, I found a mint one a few years back. A Stagg tan tag. Thanks for sharing your collection. Really magnificent. Kevin

[M-1Helmet.com]

Thanks Kevin. Your Stagg Coat Co. is a beauty. I have only one that is in similar condition. The others are worn to some degree but all are 100% original, nothing replaced. B-10 jackets have become so hard to find. I was very happy to get a blonde one. When I got it I noticed the fabric is different, more rigid than the usual cotton. Gary Eastman told me a small percentage of these jackets was made entirely of End-Zone twill (the fabric that was also used for the armpits and inner pocket lining, but will the dull side out. See pic.
Pete

[M-1Helmet.com]

Fabric compared & End Zone twill close ups.

[M-1Helmet.com]

S/Sgt Rudy Haslinger's B-10 jacket & GP bag.

[warguy]

Wow Pete it just keeps getting better! The end zone fabric is interesting on your blond jacket. I have heard of this before but never actually seen it in hand. Your identified 5th AAF is killer as well. You really have a handle on these jackets. Really cool thread you started. I have an identified and patched B-15 to a P-51 pilot, but nothing identified in the B-10 series. I really appreciate you sharing this stellar collection!

[GIKyle]

Will add my two.  First one is love to period-restore if I could.  Belonged to a B-24 copilot with the 403rd BS 43rd BG.

 

Second I am still researching.  Came with a late war 92nd BG grouping but there’s too many bombs.  I believe this belonged to this brother but yet to confirm. Dang, sorry this is blurry.

 

[M-1Helmet.com]

GIKyle, thanks for the addition of the pics.
Cool jackets!
Also cool is that I haven't seen a Mfg. label of the second jacket before, W.&C. Clothing Co. 
In my collection I have eight B-10's of six different makers.
Some makers you just never see...
My blonde is a Rough Wear Clothing Co. like yours.
So far it seems these were made by Rough Wear Clothing Co., L.S.L. Garment Co. and Oldin-Dennis.
See attached list which I got from a vintage jacket forum.

[GIKyle]

You're welcome! Neat thread you're putting together.

 

Kyle 

[M-1Helmet.com]

16 hours ago, GIKyle said:

You're welcome! Neat thread you're putting together.

 

Kyle 

Thanks!

Below a pic of an infantry captain wearing a B-10 jacket. I used this is my helmet book.
To my regret now I sold that jacket, but I recall it had a white H. Bernstein & Co. label (like on the 2nd pic), one of the early makes.

 

 

[M-1Helmet.com]

This soldier is at the Panther of Cologne.

 

 

 

[Scarecrow]

Just a fantastic collection! Also a great topic.  Thanks for posting.

[M-1Helmet.com]

15 hours ago, Scarecrow said:

Just a fantastic collection! Also a great topic.  Thanks for posting.

Thanks!

Another cool pic, also note crusher cap, B-8 parachute and First Aid packet.

 

[Allan H.]

BG Anthony McAuliffe being decorated by General George S. Patton Jr.

 

I have a 101st patched B-10 jacket that came from the veteran, but no leather name tape like Tony Mac's.

 

[KASTAUFFER]

 

This jacket was worn by a P-51 pilot from the 339th FG who was shot down New Years eve 1944 by an ME-262 near Hamburg Germany. It has his flight equipment stencil on the inside ( name and service number ) and USA painted in red on the outside and inside.

 

When the Russians liberated Stalag Luft 1 , many of the Americans painted USA on their clothes so the Russians would know they were " friends" . 

 

The condition is not great, but I think after surviving a bailout and 5 months in a POW camp it looks good!

[otter42]

Very nice Kurt! 

[M-1Helmet.com]

On 3/19/2025 at 3:00 PM, KASTAUFFER said:

 

This jacket was worn by a P-51 pilot from the 339th FG who was shot down New Years eve 1944 by an ME-262 near Hamburg Germany. It has his flight equipment stencil on the inside ( name and service number ) and USA painted in red on the outside and inside.

 

When the Russians liberated Stalag Luft 1 , many of the Americans painted USA on their clothes so the Russians would know they were " friends" . 

 

The condition is not great, but I think after surviving a bailout and 5 months in a POW camp it looks good!

 

Nice. I saw the same marking on another B-10 online. It was stated the germans did this but you explanation seems more plausible.

[M-1Helmet.com]

On 3/19/2025 at 1:12 PM, Allan H. said:

BG Anthony McAuliffe being decorated by General George S. Patton Jr.

 

I have a 101st patched B-10 jacket that came from the veteran, but no leather name tape like Tony Mac's.

 

A pic of an airborne officer wearing a B-10 during the bulge inspired me to do the Infantry captain.

[jpstout]

Interesting thread. Here is one of mine, part of a grouping belonging to a pilot in the 345th. Most notable for the Australian made patches.

[warguy]

Wow beautiful Air Apache jacket there!

[M-1Helmet.com]

That is a great jacket indeed!

[M-1Helmet.com]

Happy New Year!

I just came across this interesting pic of a veteran returning to the US after the war.
He wears a B-10 jacket and paratrooper pants.

[M-1Helmet.com]

Another cool pic, note flag and bell.

[M-1Helmet.com]

And another, note sheen on jacket. It seems brand new.

[dmar836]

7 hours ago, M-1Helmet.com said:

Another cool pic, note flag and bell.

Assuming 12th or 15th AAF.

Great pics!

Dave