ARTIFACT: Fantastic WWII USAAF 356th Fighter Group, 360th Fighter Squadron, 8th AF Fighter Pilot A-2 jacket with P-51 Mustang Junie painted on back with group colors and squadron designation (OC-X). The jacket is named to Lieutenant Wendal J. A. Nelson who was killed in action on January 13, 1945. Originally from Nebraska, Lt. Nelson flew with the Royal Canadian Air Force as a Desert Air Force American Volunteer during Americas neutrality. He flew with the RAF during the battle of El Alemein and later transferred to the USAAF after America joined the war. The Saturday that Lt. Nelson crashed in Debach was snowy and the official cause is unknown, but speculations are that Lt. Nelson suffered from vertigo before his plane crashed, exploding on impact just five miles north from his take off at Martlesham Heath. He had flown 10 missions with the 8th before his crash. Sadly, the jacket is missing the 359th Fighter Squadron patch that was once sewn on the breast of the jacket.

VINTAGE: Circa WWII

SIZE: Size 44. Approximately 23 from armpit to armpit; 26 length from collar to hem (on reverse); 25 from shoulder seam to cuff; 18 between shoulders

CONSTRUCTION/MATERIALS: Leather, paint, polyester, steel.

ATTACHMENT: Metal zipper, hook clasp at neck, and snaps on front pockets.

MARKINGS: TYPE A-2 DWG. NO 30-1415 A.C. ORDER NO. 42-16175-P PERRY SPORTSWEAR, INC NEWBURGH, N.Y. PROPERTY AIR FORCE, U.S. ARMY 44 WENDAL J.A. NELSON LIEUT. 0-554389 LIEUT WENDAL J.A. NELSON AUS AC 0-554389

CONDITION: 8- (Very FineExcellent): Jacket shows moderate wear mostly to collar and elbows, area of separation at the collar. A patch was removed from breast, the painted details remain intact and bright.

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