World War II airman’s leather flight jacket, painted with plane’s logo and mission history

You can adopt one of 6 jackets for $5,000.00.

Some of the most iconic artifacts that represent the air war during World War II are the A-2 leather flight jackets worn by pilots and crews. Quite a few jackets were decorated during the war with the insignia of the aircraft on the back, a painted squadron patch on the breast and painted bombs representing the number of missions the crew flew. Each jacket is a documentary object.

Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum owns 6 painted jackets in our collection. Each one is unique, including one that belonged to an airmen who perished during the war, his jacket sent home to a grieving family as a keepsake. Each jacket is in need of professional treatment to ensure they are preserved for generations to come.