This stunning World War II USAAF A-2 flight jacket was manufactured by Aero Leather Clothing Co., is a size 42, has a Crown zipper, and was worn by gunner Technical Sargent Carl Stevens who served aboard the B-17 “Lady Satan” of the 729th Bomb Squadron (later 728th Bomb Squadron), 452nd Bomb Group, 8th Air Force. On the right chest is the name “Steve” painted in yellow and red lettering. 729th BS insignia is painted on the left chest. The back of the jacket serves as the leather canvas for a fantastic work of highly personalized wartime art: “Lady Satan” over a B-17 on a bombing run striking the Third Reich along with a tally of 27 missions. The artwork covers nearly all of the back surface and shows the skills of a talented artist. Just above the tag on the lining of the jacket is the handwritten notation “Neiswanger N-7344.” T/Sgt. Stevens was awarded the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters. The Air Medal and all five original citations with certification card are included. These citations were “for meritorious achievement while participating in heavy bombardment missions in the air offensive against the enemy over Continental Europe.” Stevens reflected on the dangers of flying aboard a B-17 in combat. During an attack on the oil refineries at Politz, Germany, he had a close call with death: “As I raised my head to look at one of the Fortresses crippled by flak, a piece of shrapnel, about the size of my fist, ripped through the side where I’d been resting my head. After that the turret became one of the most uncomfortable places I’ve ever been in.” Stevens completed his tour of duty. “Lady Satan” was not as fortunate and was lost by enemy flak on February 6, 1945 over Wiesbaden, Germany. The 452nd BG engaged primarily in the bombardment of strategic targets in occupied Europe as well as supported ground forces and interdictory operations in support of the Allied invasion of Normandy. Stevens’ other personal items include: 729th BS patch, sterling silver ID bracelet, five ribbons including Air Medal with four Oak Clusters, flying charm, Lucky Bastard Club certificate (an unofficial award to 8th AF bomber crewmembers who completed a tour of duty), Acme whistle, and a wonderful grouping of period photographs including “Lady Satan” crewmembers and B-17s in theater that perfectly capture the human side of the Allied bombardment offensive.

Very fine, displaying some typical wear, supple leather, and retaining most of the original painted artwork. An identified World War II 8th AF B-17 crewmember's A-2 flight jacket with fantastic wartime artwork that will make a grand statement to any aviation collection no matter how advanced.