Named WWII China Burma India Theater A-2 Flight Jacket by Perry Sportswear

This A-2 jacket was manufactured by the Perry Sportswear Company under contract W 535 AC-23377, which was awarded to the company in December of 1941 and which resulted in the provision of 20,000 jackets by May of 1942. This example, which is tagged as a size 36, was worn by a member of the 490th Bombardment Squadron of the 341st Bombardment Group in the 10th Air Force. The 490th Bomb Squadron flew B-25 Mitchell bombers in the China Burma India Theater, where they became famous as 'The Burma Bridge Busters'. The jacket has a leather name tag with the name of 'G.R. Gable'. Below the name tag is the multi piece leather patch of the 490th Bomb Squadron, approximately 5 inches in diameter. The left shoulder carries the multi piece leather patch of the Army Air Force, while the right shoulder has the multi piece leather patch of the China Burma India Theater. On the back of the jacket is a large CBI Blood Chit, also in multi piece leather construction. The jacket has a 'Crown' zipper, as used in this early Perry contract, with the zipper being fully functional. The ribbed knit cuffs and waistband are intact. The cotton lining of the jacket is largely intact, with some separations at the interior collar. The top collar edge of the jacket exhibits wear and crazing. The leather of the jacket is pliable, with the sleeves being a bit stiff. Overall the jacket is in exceptional condition and it makes a very impressive appearance.