Patched up A-2s

Shay · **Posted:** Wed Jan 16, 2008 7:35 am

I'm wanting to take my A-2 and get my Grandfather's ARMY, Uncle's NAVY, Dad's USAF and my NAVY/USAF Unit patches sewn on.

Was just wondering if any one here could share pictures of the their A-2s that are patched up or painted.

Kinda what I'm talking about:

Thanks

Shay
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Semper Fortis

HGUCSU · **Posted:** Wed Jan 16, 2008 7:43 am

A-2 are better kept in their USAAF markings if you want to be really ANAL

or in proper USAF markings from either Korea or post 1988 when they were reissued again.

I own 2 replicated post ww2 A-2s and still deciding which USAAF artwork to paint on one...

Some A-2 can reach as much as $10,000 on ebay.

In early 1970-80s some were sold as cheap as $50 as some people had no idea of their real value. Prices went ape in 1980s as Japanese and movies made it come back in fashion...

A-2 are the jacket but the USN has gaul to say their G-1 keeps the womens attention better with the fur neck hood. The B-15 series is the next best thing after a A-2.
I own also a replicated B-10.

Shay · **Posted:** Wed Jan 16, 2008 7:57 am

I'm not trying to replicate anything.

These Unit patches were all earned by being assigned there by either myself or my military family members. Two of which are now deceased.

Shay
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Semper Fortis

gary1954 · **Posted:** Wed Jan 16, 2008 8:16 am

yer jacket, do want ya want with it. wear those patches proudly man.

tulsaboy · **Posted:** Wed Jan 16, 2008 10:29 am

I know it's not quite what you're after, but thought this might help. It's a photo of John Toney, who flew on B-24s in the 15th AF, 461st BG, 765th Sq. The Donald Duck patch is the 765th patch, which is under his name and rank patch. On his left shoulder, you can see the old style 15th AF patch, which had the "XV" numeral on it. This shot was taken sometime in the fall of 1944, in front of the B-24J-10-DT 42-51430 "The Tulsamerican."

kevin

Tigercat · **Joined:** Mon Jun 20, 2005 11:54 am **Posts:** 288

Here is a photo of a high end repro Aero 15142-P contract A-2 jacket.

The three patches showing are:

1) Owner's nametag

2) Below nametag is a leather patch of the 527th Bomb Squadron, 379th Bomb Group.

3) The left shoulder has a multilayer leather "stubby wing" Eighth Air Force patch.

Ted

Django · **Posted:** Wed Jan 16, 2008 2:54 pm

My friend Joe posted this on our club board. It almost made me cry...

Quote:

So, my wife was at a thrift store the other day in the checkout line. The guy in front of her wasn't quite homeless, but he was definitely way off his rocker and just about homeless. What did he have in his hand? An original, vintage leather bomber jacket with the fleece collar and a hand painted pinup girl on the back that obviously matched the original owner's bomber's nose art and military insignias. She begged and pleaded and tried to get the guy to give it to her or sell it. He flat out refused. It was clear he just planned on wearing it. When he got to the cashier, she sold it to him for $15 because... and here's the real kicker... "because someone ruined it by painting all over a leather jacket"!!!!! The woman then took forever to ring her up, so by the time she got outside, the guy was long gone.

I wasn't there. I might've followed him and offered him a trade for my bigger, warmer leather coat. I might've just let the cashier know how much the coat was really worth just so he couldn't afford it. Seriously though, Elizabeth tried everything from offering trades to money to buying another coat and he didn't want to hear it. I want to hit that store and see what else is there from whatever attic that coat came from.

Elroy13 · **Posted:** Wed Jan 16, 2008 3:41 pm

I had my A2 painted up by a good friend. He also hand painted all of the patches. Its from my Grandfathers BG...390th

Misterg97 · **Posted:** Wed Jan 16, 2008 8:08 pm

beautiful work ... wear it proudly ...

gtokid · **Posted:** Thu Jan 17, 2008 8:47 pm

I have 4 A-2 jackets: an Avirex, a US Authentics, a Willis & Gieger, and a LL Bean. I special ordered the US Authentics to honor Walter Beckham's P-47 "Little Demon". The Avirex was painted as the 91ST BG B-17F "Wabash Cannonball". My other 2 are undecorated, but I'm considering doing a tribute to my friend James Maris who recently past away. He flew B-24H "The Bad Penny" (42-94764) 392ng BG. Here's a link to a story he wrote: http://www.b24.net/stories/maris.htm

Little Demon A-2

Wabash Cannonball A-2

Jim and his original A-2 (The circle in the center had an Indian Head Penny painted on it)

gary1954 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 18, 2008 9:15 pm

I, cannot even begin to imagine the courage it took for these brave men that flew in the UnFriendly Sky over, Occupied Europe...and the courage of the Soldier on the ground, and the Sailor on the High Seas....I am awed by it, and am humbled to be in the presence of them. Awesome Story, Awesome.

Jack Cook · **Posted:** Fri Jan 18, 2008 11:19 pm

Here's a few to add to the mix...........

Lt Johnny Allen 94th FS 1st FG

Lt "Okie" Rau 318th FS 325th FG

Maj. "Stick" Thorsen CO 308th FS 31st FG

CH2Tdriver · **Posted:** Fri Feb 29, 2008 1:51 pm

Hi Guys,

I have an Avirex A-2 that I'd like to add leather patches to. Can you offer some advice on how and where to get them sewn on?

Also, what about the name plates? I take it that to be accurate for the WW2 period it should be the small leather strip seen in the photos? Is there a place that sells and engraves them? I've seen leather name plates but are of the larger more modern type. Probably for current issue A-2's?

Thanks in advance!

Pete

Django · **Posted:** Fri Feb 29, 2008 2:34 pm

I just take my projects like that all to my lady at the dry cleaners.

tulsaboy · **Posted:** Fri Feb 29, 2008 2:37 pm

Try this for a name tag... they do some pretty incredible work.

http://www.eastmanleather.com/usaaf.htm

kevin

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