The U.S. Army Air Corps A-2 flight jacket was among the most iconic and treasured items of military apparel ever issued to American military personnel during World War II.
Based upon “Bomber Boys,” a book written and illustrated by photographer John Slemp, the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach has created an exhibit that features a collection of high-resolution digital photographs and personal interviews with the Army Air Corps pilots and crewmen who wore the highly-regarded leather garment with pride.
A-2 flying jackets were initially issued to commissioned officers following basic flight training. The government-issued garments conferred instant respect and prestige on the officers who wore them. Later, enlisted members of the aircrews were also issued the coveted jacket.
The seal brown or russet horsehide flying jackets, also called “bomber jackets,” featured knitted waistbands and knit cuffs with a shirt-style collar. The jacket’s epaulettes were stitched, and the front flap-patch pockets had snaps.
Although decorating the leather jackets was officially against regulations, the jackets quickly became striking illustrations for visually documenting the number of missions, reflecting the owner’s service record and identifying the type of aircraft flown, as well as its nickname.
Decorated flight jackets were permitted, unofficially, by air forces’ commanders in WWII because the practice was thought to enhance unit spirit de corps. Often, squadron or unit members with artistic talent would decorate the backs of the leather flight jackets with risqué illustrations. When pilots and aircrewmen changed units, squadron patches would be removed and replaced with patches that reflected the new unit designation. The quality of the artwork on the A-2s ranged from that of simple folk art to virtual masterpieces.
John Slemp, author-photographer, was initially interested in photographing the artwork on World War II bomber jackets, which he calls “the finest military folk art ever created.”
He came to view the art work as an avenue to delve into the wartime experiences and stories of the Air Corps veterans who flew the aircraft on their hazardous missions.
“This exhibit just opened in November. It’s based on the book on bomber jackets,” said Mitchell Welch, director of operations at the museum. “We worked with the author to select a handful of examples of the jackets that he has photographed. Our exhibit also includes photographs of and interviews with some of the owners of these jackets.”
“John Slemp spent over a decade going around the country taking photos of World War II flight jackets, focusing on the Army Air Corps A-2 flight jacket,” said Zack Baughman, curator and volunteer coordinator at the museum. “It was important to document the jackets themselves, which are true American folk art, but also the stories behind the jackets. The jackets themselves don’t tell the stories. It’s the stories of the men and women who wore the jackets that are important.”
In addition to Slemp’s photographs of the jackets, their owners and interview excerpts, the Military Aviation Museum display also features two actual A-2 flight jackets from the museum’s collection.
