A WORLD WAR II BROWN HORSEHIDE FLYING TIGER A2 JACKET, the worn brown leather jacket with left front Flying Tiger patch and left arm China Burma India shield patch, right arm circular patch centering bullion thread star centering a red dot above a bullion thread winged flying tiger with red thread details, each shoulder epaulet with custom seven pointed leaf detail, zippered front opening to inside center stitched rectangular label "TYPE A-2 DRAWING NO.30-1415 A.C. ORDER NO. 42-18246-3 PROPERTY AIR FORCE U.S. ARMY," over a small stitched black tag "411," above handwritten "LT. J.F. GREEN," over black stenciled "J.F. GREEN," left interior with large chit of an American flag above rows of Brahmic Indo-Tibetan-Burman script flanking columns of Chinese character marks, size: 41. Note: John Forest Green (1922-2011) was a native Texan who entered the World War II era Army Air Corps pilot training program as a 2nd Lieutenant. Not long afterwards he was flying deadly combat missions in his P-38 aircraft named "Ranger" against the Japanese in the Burma/China theater. This heroic service was recognized with several awards from the Air Corps. At the end of World War II, Green, now Major Green stayed on to train new pilots. After leaving the military he worked as a U.S. Post Office Inspector, served eight years in the Texas legislature, chaired the Texas Agriculture Committee and owned a Hereford Cattle ranch until his passing in 2011. During all this time he continued his love of flying in a Cessna airplane and maintained his pilot's license for 65 years, reputedly the oldest continually active pilot's license in the country until 2011.
Condition
Leather is dry and worn in areas throughout, some small tears, patches have surfaced buildup, loose threads, and largest has crackled area surface from aging. The chit is dry, has some losses and has darkened with age. The original zipper and one neck hook fastener are evident but missing the wearer's right side hook. The pockets retain their original United Carr metal button snaps. This historic jacket could use a professional restoration. Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."