This World War II USAAF A-2 flight jacket (drawing number 30-41 AC. order no. 755) is a size 38, has a Conmar zipper, and was worn by 8th Air Force B-17 navigator James Scott (1925-1972). The name of Scott’s wife, Eleanore, is painted in script on the left chest. The right chest carries a fantastic and large 535th BS chenille patch. Scott retired from the Air Force in 1964. The jacket was pictured and identified in Maguire and Conway’s “Art of the Flight Jacket” on pages 67-68. A copy of the book is included. Scott was with the 535th Bomb Squadron, 381st Bomb Group out of Ridgewell, England. The 535th BS was awarded two Distinguished Unit Citations. The first citation was received for actions taken on October 8, 1943, while striking the heavily defended shipyards at Bremen. All bombers that returned received battle damage. The second citation was awarded for flying without fighter protection to bomb German aircraft factories on January 11, 1944. The squadron was involved in the strategic bombardment campaign as well as supporting ground troops through air interdiction in support of Operation Overlord, Operation Cobra, Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, and the Allied crossing of the Rhine.

Very good showing authentic wear with tearing on the lining at the collar. The wonderful chenille squadron patch is very fine. The name "Eleanore" is clearly visible. A World War II A-2 flight jacket documented to a B-17 navigator who served with a well-known and decorated bomber squadron.