This impressive painted and identified World War II A-2 flight jacket was manufactured by Cable Raincoat Co. (correct unsigned label with contract no. W535 AC-27753), is a size 42, and has a Conmar zipper. It was worn by B-17F “Shack Rabbit” pilot Major Arthur Clinton Berryman (1919-1994). The back of the jacket serves as the painted leather canvas for the unmistakable nose art of “Shack Rabbit” and is signed by the highly talented artist E.T. Rice. The left chest features Berryman’s impressed leather name tag. The shoulders have major rank insignia on leather. Includes a great photograph of “Shack Rabbit” and Far East Air Force, European Theater of Operations, enlisted technical specialist, 20th AF and 5th AF patches, all mounted on a piece of foam board. Note in the photograph Berryman is clearly named pilot of “Shack Rabbit” as his name above “PILOT” is painted under the pilot’s window. “Shack Rabbit” is likely B-17F serial number 42-3118 assigned to the 96th BG, 413th BS. Based on research posted on the online database B-17 Bomber Flying Fortress - The Queen of the Skies, 42-3118 also went by the names “Daisy June” and “The Green Hornet,” was transferred to the 381st BG, 534 BS, and was lost to enemy aircraft on January 11, 1944 at Goslar near Bernburg with Austin Larson in the pilot seat. Nine crew members were captured and one crew member was killed. At the time the B-17 was lost in action it was named “The Green Hornet” (https://b17flyingfortress.de/en/b17/42-3118-daisy-june-aka-shack-rabbit-aka-the-green-hornet/). Assigned to the famed 8th AF, the 96th BG flew B-17 Flying Fortresses and carried out bombing missions across occupied Europe from May 1943 to April 1945.

Very fine displaying some honest wear heavier on the cuffs and waist band. The artwork on the back of the jacket retains strong, vivid colors. Painted jackets worn by B-17F bomber crews are nearly impossible to find. This is a well-cared for World War II A-2 flight jacket with fantastic artwork worthy of the finest collection.