In 1931, the United States Air Corps issued an order to update and modify the Type A-1 flight jacket. The significant design changes of the jacket included replacing the buttons down front with a zipper and the knit collar with a leather drop fall collar. The new jacket was designated -- Type A-2. This jacket became associated with American pilots serving on every front during World War II and is still issued by the U.S. Air Force today. Many pilots and aircrews modified their jackets with custom artwork that depicted the name of their aircraft. These jackets are nick named "Painted Ladies" for the common practice of using the pinup girls for the aircraft's name and nose art.
This jacket was worn by Dr. Thomas N. Weems. He served as a navigator on a Martin B-26 Marauder “Winsockie” of 69th Bombardment Squadron. The “Winsockie” was one of the two B-26s of the 69th Bombardment Squadron assigned to Midway Island in June 1942. Equipped with an improvised torpedo bracket, the “Winsockie” along with 4 other B-26s from the 18th Reconnaissance Squadron were the first American aircraft to attack the Japanese carrier fleet on the morning June 4, 1942. Only two of these aircraft returned from the mission. Although the attack was unsuccessful, it was crucial in convincing Adm. Nugumo, to re-arm the Japanese aircraft with torpedoes and armor piercing bombs to contact bombs for a second strike on Midway Island. This decision provided the United States Navy the pivotal time that allowed its carrier aircraft to strike and sink the Japanese aircraft carriers later on morning of June 4, 1942.
There is a medical Dental caduceus insignia attached to the jacket as well. Weems received his dental degree following the war and served as a military dentist for several years.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Flight Clothing
Manufacturer
Aero Leather Clothing Co.
Physical Description
United States Army Air Forces Type A-2 Flying Jacket; waist length seal brown horsehide jacket with brown knit wool cuffs and waist band; brass zipper down front; two front flap pockets with hidden snaps; stand and fall collar with snaps; brown rayon lining; shoulder straps; dark brown sewn in manufacturer's tag with embroidered gold text on inside collar (see inscriptions for full text);
Leather 69th Bombardment Squadron insignia left breast (stylized American Bald Eagle with yellow bomb carried in its talons, light blue background with gold sewn boarder), Light brown leather name tag above left breast insignia "T.N. WEEMS JR."; silver Army medical caduseus insignia between name tag and insignia.
Dimensions
3-D: 80 × 62.9 × 3.8cm (2 ft. 7 1/2 in. × 2 ft. 3/4 in. × 1 1/2 in.)
Materials
Leather
Possible Silk
Wool
Copper Alloy
Paint
Gold Plating
Ink
Inventory Number
A20181209000
Credit Line
Donated by the families of Rebecca E. Weems, Ph.D., George Halton Weems, and Philip N. Weems
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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