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LOT 335
Extremely Desirable World War II Painted USAAF A-2 Flight Jacket Identified to 97th Fighter Squadron P-38 Pilot - This large World War II grouping, including a painted A-2 flight jacket, belonged to Lockheed P-38 Lightning pilot Joseph Scherer of Cleveland, Ohio. He was a member of the 97th Fighter Squadron,
82nd Fighter Group, flying out of North Africa and Italy, and assigned to the 12th Air Force and later the 15th Air Force. A-2 flight jackets belonging to P-38 pilots are highly sought after, and this grouping makes for an exciting addition to any aviation collection.
The highlight of the grouping is Scherer’s A-2 jacket. It was manufactured by Perry Sportswear, is a size 38, has a Conmar zipper, and has his service no. “S2498” stamped in ink on the lining near the data label. The back of the jacket serves as the leather canvas for artwork depicting a P-38 painted in black.
Other items that comprise this grouping
A great Italian made white silk scarf embroidered with the 97th FS emblem, the devil cat. A photograph of Scherer taken in front of his P-38. Copies of military service paperwork (certificate of service, enlistment record, honorable discharge, and certificate of service). Dress uniform jacket featuring USAAF officer lapel insignia, pilot wing badge, two ribbon bars (Air Medal with Oak Leaf and ETO with four campaign stars), and bullion 15th AF patch. Dress Uniform jacket featuring a 4th AF patch. As noted in his included pocket flight journal, Scherer trained in California with the 4th AF in P-39s. Scherer’s handwritten mission diary log describes bombing runs, escort missions, an encounter with the world’s first operational jet powered fighter aircraft, the Messerschmitt Me 262, and more. Officer’s crusher cap named to Scherer.
Two overseas caps identified to Scherer by his service number. Two neck ties. Three pairs of trousers marked with Scherer’s name. Four patched shirts. Two extra sets of wings along with other metal insignia. Cased Air Medal.
Equipped with Lockheed P-38 Lightnings, the 97th Fighter Squadron was
attached to the 12th Air Force and arrived in Algeria a month after the initial
Allied landings in North Africa. The squadron flew antisubmarine patrols, served
as bomber escorts, and attacked enemy shipping and airfields. As the
North Africa campaign drew to a close the squadron turned its attention
to Italy. On April 25, 1943 squadron earned it first Distinguished Unit
Citation for actions taken during an attack on airfields in Foggia. The
bombing of Foggia was in preparation for Operation Husky, the Allied
invasion of Italy. The squadron earned a second Distinguished Unit
Citation for escorting bombers on a mission against marshalling yards
near Naples. Once the squadron moved to Italy, it was reassigned to the
15th Air Force and provided fighter cover for heavy bombers. A third
Distinguished Unit Citation was received by the squadron for actions
taken during an attack on oil refineries in Ploiesti, Romania. The 97th FS
was credited for destroying 146 enemy aircraft.
CONDITION: The A-2 jacket is good and displays authentic wear
consistent with heavy use and spending time in a cramped P-38 cockpit
in the skies over North Africa and Italy. Much of the original paint
remains on the back of the jacket. The other items of clothing are very
good to fine. Now is your chance to own a rare piece to the P-38 legacy.
Provenance: The Saloga Collection.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000 321