This World War II USAAF grouping of a painted A-2 flight jacket, two uniform jackets, and other items are the personal effects of Sergeant Phillip L. Fritz, who was assigned to the 827th Bomb Squadron, 484th Bombardment Group, 15th Air Force. Equipped with Consolidated B-24 Liberators, the 827th BS participated in the strategic bombing campaign against Germany in the Mediterranean Theater. The squadron flew against targets in Italy, the Balkans, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Germany, and France from April 1944 until Germany surrendered in May 1945 and earned two Distinguished Unit Citations. At times the squadron diverted from strategic targets to assist troops advancing on to Rome by bombing bridges, supply depots, and marshalling yards and transported supplies to troops taking part in the invasion of southern France. The squadron was inactivated in theater in July 1945. Fritz’s A-2 jacket is a highly creative example of leather canvas featuring several painted leather patches and great artwork covering the back. The jacket was made by J.A. Dubow Manufacturing Co., is a size 38, and has a Talon zipper. The left chest carries Fritz leather name tag along with a painted aerial gunner’s wing. Below the name tag is a painted patch featuring both the 484th BG bow tie insignia and buzzard with a .50 caliber machine gun insignia used by three of the four squadrons attached to the 484th BG. On the right chest is a very unique and custom patch depicting a B-24 nose turret gunner. The left sleeve carries another painted leather patch. This patch has the 15th AF insignia along with a winged star, “MINNESOTA” (Fritz’s home state), and “484 B.G. 827 B.SQ.” The right sleeve carries a painted leather American flag. The back of the jacket serves as the leather canvas for a painted B-24 with 484th BG markings flying above eight flak bursts. Six of the flak bursts expose the names of European countries: Italy, Germany, Austria, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary. Two enlisted man’s uniform coats are included and each coat features 15th AF and USAAF sleeve patches, sergeant rank chevrons, and enlisted lapel insignia. The “Ike” coat has an aerial gunner’s wing badge and three ribbons (Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Good Conduct, and European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three stars). Fritz’s dog tags and extra metal and cloth insignia are also included. Consignor reports that Fritz was possibly a crewman to the B-24 “Sleep Toe.” Provenance: The Saloga Collection

The A-2 jacket is very good with authentic wear. The patches display nicely with much of the paint remaining. The artwork on the back remains highly attractive. The leather is supple. The uniform coats are fine. An identified B-24 gunner’s A-2 jacket with highly creative artwork that will look great in aviation collection.