Painted WWII American A-2 Flight Jackets have realized unprecedented prices in the past year. For example jackets at Rock Island Auctions sold in 2022 for $32,000 and $23,000 respectively they can be found at this and this . When comparing the Rock Island Auction jackets with the one offered here, one can easily see that our offering is an exceptional value!
Original Item: One-of-a-Kind. This is an absolutely beautiful World War Two American painted A-2 flight jacket, named to Lt. Charles W Stover. In researching Lieutenant Stover, what we were able to uncover is that he served with the 1st Scouting Force then was transferred to the 364th Fighter Group, 384th Fighter Squadron of the 8th Air Force. We have not been able to locate any solid service information, making this jacket a wonderful research opportunity.
The A-2 jacket, which is in wonderful condition with fantastic hand painted insignia. The left chest features incredibly painted black aircraft silhouettes of a P-38 and P-51. The colors vivid and discernible. Below the insignia is a small leather name tag which faintly reads as C STOVER with what appears to be his name painted above the tag as well.
Jacket is in size US 44 and has retained all original components including original knit waist band and sleeve cuffs, something we often see replaced on A-2 jackets that saw extensive service. Also original is the CROWN brand zipper which is not functional. Both epaulets have a painted Lieutenant bar.
The interior lining does have tearing and stitching loss present, so do handle it with care. The top rear back portion of the liner still retains the original tag which is very difficult to read.
This is an incredible example of a hard to find painted A-2 jacket, offered in wonderful condition. Comes more than ready for further research and display.
384th Fighter Squadron
Organized and trained in California during 1943, assigned to 364th Fighter Group. Moved to England in January 1944, being assigned to VIII Fighter Command.
Initially flew escort, dive-bombing, strafing, and patrol missions in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. At first the squadron operated primarily as escort for B-17/B-24 Liberator heavy bombers.
Patrolled the English Channel during the Normandy invasion in June 1944, and, while continuing escort operations, supported ground forces in France after the invasion by strafing and bombing locomotives, marshalling yards, bridges, barges, and other targets. Converted from P-38's to P-51 Mustang's in the summer of 1944 and from then until the end of the war flew many long-range escort missions heavy bombers that attacked oil refineries, industries, and other strategic objectives at Berlin, Regensburg, Merseburg, Stuttgart, Brussels, and elsewhere. Also flew air-sea rescue missions, engaged in patrol activities, and continued to support ground forces as the battle line moved through France and into Germany.
Demobilized in England during the summer of 1944, personnel returning to the United States. Inactivated as a paper unit, November 1945.
