Jackets A-2 US airmen during the Second World War

• Jackets A-2 US airmen during World War II

Aviators in all armies were considered "white bone", but in the US of their status, perhaps, was the highest. For example, they were allowed the maximum freedom in the design of the leather flight jackets. Pilots usually adorned their cartoon characters and Pin-Up-girls.

Pilot Jacket B-17 from 306 Squadron. In accordance with the number drawn bombs shows that the aviator made 35 sorties

leather jacket A-2 model has been introduced in parts of the US flight in 1931. Although she emphasized the individuality of aviators, it was not enough and they began to decorate them all sorts of stripes and patterns. Bosses at these fun winked, and then even began to encourage arts: so raised the spirit of his squadron and his crew.

However, the tradition of "stand" was inherent in the American army ever. So, in the war for independence militias exercised in the design of the horns to powder, and the Citizens - stock and fore-end guns.

With the onset of World War II trend of embellishment of a particular part of the ammunition or weapons peaked in the US Army. Command began even encourage this kind of design. As he said in 1942, a US general: "Maybe tomorrow this guy die in battle, so let this picture will distract him from the sad thoughts." Below are American aviators, flight jacket sample 1942-45's .:

Jacket Lieutenant Ken Strong, 319 Squadron:

The pilots, whose squadron based in the Mediterranean, often made such patches:

Another way of expression were bells fastened to the collar. In this photo: Captain Sam Trave, 347 th Fighter Group, its bell - silver, made on the Italian island of Capri:

Jacket Richard Fitskuka, pilot B-17G "El Lobo II", carried out 30 sorties in 457 the first group of bombers:

6 girls from the staff of the 90th squadron of bombers - they, too, were A-2 jackets:

The American gunner from the 86th squadron of bombers:

The pilot of the bomber B-17 Parker, 568 Squadron. Parachute indicates that he had to jump from the downed aircraft:

Camels means on the jacket of the pilot military transport aircraft that its main route ran through the Himalayas. The number of camels - the number of sorties, one turned the camel - the crew had to turn back due to engine failure:

Pilot Armstrong made 30 missions in B-24, 577 Squadron:

The bee with a red bomb - the emblem of the 21st Squadron. The jacket belongs Pruetu captain, flying B-24:

This jacket A-2 belongs to Sergeant James Egan, 458-I group of bombers. The number corresponds to the number of bombs departures:

At the same time the jacket A-2 performs other functions: contains information about the pilot. This was important in Asia, where the natives did not understand who is fighting whom. On the stripe could also read that the downed pilot must be delivered there and then, and even get a reward for it. Examples of such information stripes.

Patch for the Chinese people, said that they will receive a reward, if delivered to the Allies aviator:

Pilot Nesbit L. Martin shows information stripes on his jacket A-2: