Leaping lizards Matt, what a treasure trove of information and some mighty fine material.

The patch in the original posting that originated for sale in Pennsylvania.   There was a Naval Air Station at Willow Grove, it’s a long shot but might help.   Back in the early 90s I got a Navy pilots group from a pilot who flew out of the Grove and had his squadron patch on a summer weight jacket like yours.   I can’t get more specific than that unfortunately.

Based on the movement list below, dated 6 Dec 1943, with him as a passenger, he was a Flight Chief with the 738th BS.   Per the link below for another BS, ref a Flight Chief: "Each of the squadron's four flights had one Flight Chief, who supervised a minimum of four Crew Chiefs and eight Assistant Crew Chiefs. The four Flight Chiefs reported to one Line Chief, who was under the supervision of the Engineering Officer and his assistant officer." So, he was responsible for a number of men who kicked the tires and lit the fires, so to speak- all important aircraft maintenance.   https://b26.com/page/WW2-556th-Bomb-Squadron-387th-Bomb Group-Engineering-Section.htm     Source: NARA   Dan

A unique canteen in my collection, it's a French Mle.1877/15, 2-liter canteen, colonial Khaki color cover, rather than the standard "Horizon Blue". I believe it was used by volunteer with the American Ambulance Service (pre-1917). It is heavily Graffitied

He was overseas with the 15th air force in Italy. 454th bg, 738th bs. No air medals or dfc, so may have been in an instructor role due to his high rank.

Misspelled first name on the photo. Please note mother's and father's name here...

That is amazing! 2000 miles of ocean, divided by 29 days = 68(+) miles a day. In am truly in awe.

I totally missed the connection of the other two buckles I had posted. WOW!! Those were three are very interesting! Thanks for pointing them out, as I was... what three buckles? 

Why does it need to be WW2? The unit was reactivated in the early 60s, had a German made pocket patch similar design. At that time tour jackets were popular aswell. 

Good to know