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Documented Identified World War II CBI Theater U.S. Army Air Forces 1st Combat Cargo Group Early Production A-2 Flight Jacket - This early production A-2 fight jacket was worn by J.B. Bass with the 1st Combat Cargo Group, 1st Squadron, which operated in the China-Burma-India Theater. Equipped with C-47 Skytrain transport aircraft, the 1st Combat Cargo Group’s mission was to carry troops and supplies and maintain supply routes to ensure units in the combat zone remained operational. This included the resupplying and moving Chinese units. The task was extremely difficult made more dangerous by the Himalayas which they flew over. At its conclusion the airlift
ogged an estimated 1.5 million flight hours and delivered a total tonnage of 650,000 net tons. The operation was one of the most successful of the war.
Bass’ A-2 jacket dates to 1936, is a size 38, was manufactured by Werber Leather Coat Co. of Beacon, New York, and has a Talon zipper. Werber Leather Coat Co. is a rare A-2 maker, and the label reads in part, “DWG. NO. 30-1415/ A.C. ORDER NO. 36-1112P.” Reinforcing studs, a typical feature of early A-2s, are at the bottom near the end of the waistband. The date of the jacket suggests
hat Bass was an early member of the Army Air Corps. The jacket is decorated with several fantastic CBI Theater made multi-piece leather insignias including
he large American flag and blood chit featured on the back.
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