ID'D WWII USAAF 351ST BOMB GROUP 509TH BOMB SQUADRON A-2 FLIGHT JACKET

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2020

Great WWII USAAF Type A-2 flight jacket that was worn by John R. Bluford. Born in Tennessee on November 11, 1919, Bluford would only be 23 years old when World War II would find its way across the ocean at America's doorstep. Shortly after Pearl Harbor, Bluford entered service with the US Army Air Forces as a private. By August 1943, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant assigned to the 351st Bomb Group, 509th Bomb Squadron as a co-pilot of a B-17 in the Mighty Eight Air Force. The 351st was established in 1942 and was the same bomb group that Captain Clarke Gable was assigned to. Between November 1943 and March 1945, Bluford took to the controls of his B-17 and flew 30 combat missions. During the war, the 351st Bomb Group flew 311 combat missions and were credited with downing 303 enemy aircraft. For his bravery and determination Bluford earned a promotion to 1st Lieutenant, 5 Air Medals, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war, Bluford returned to Tennessee, married, and became the Police Chief of the Maryville Police Department in 1949 all while serving as a member of the Tennessee National Guard. Bluford passed away on February 22, 2000. The jacket boasts attractive squadron patches from the 351st Bomb Group and 509th Bomb Squadron that are hand painted on canvas and machine sewn to the jacket. The patches have slight cracking but the colors are bright and the paint has been perfectly preserved. There appear to be faint Lt. bars on the epaulets. The interior of the jacket is named on the liner and reads ""Happy" Bluford". CONDITION: The leather is still soft and pliable and there are no tears. The original Talon zipper functions smoothly. The cuffs appear to be period replacements and are in excellent condition. The liner is clean and does not exhibit any stains or tears. This is an excellent flight jacket ID'D to a combat pilot who flew in a notable squadron. Overall excellent. JD

Item Dimensions: 10" x 10"