BACKGROUND: Although it was originally activated as the VIII Bomber Command on the 19th of January,1942, it began to conduct strategic bombing operations in Europe as the 8th Air Force on the 17th of August, 1942. The 379th Bombardment Group was a VIII Bomber Command B-17 Flying Fortress unit in England. Assigned to RAF Kimbolton in early 1943, the group flew more sorties than any other bomb group in the Eighth Air Force, and dropped a greater bomb tonnage than any other group. The combat record of the 379th was the most successful of all the Eighth Air Force heavy bomber groups, receiving two Distinguished Unit Citations. (Wiki)

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A waist-length flight jacket of brown leather with a functioning "Talon" metal zipper front closure with heavy leather wind flap, and a lay down pointed collar with metal snaps under each point. A hook and eyelet is present to the neck. Integral shoulder straps are to each side of the collar that have a single painted rank bar representing the rank of 1^st Lieutenant. Both the waistband and cuffs are elasticized and retain some of their shape and elasticity. A pair of scalloped flap, patch pockets are to the waist with metal snap closures. A metal rivetted eyelet is under each arm. Painted to the front, left panel is a 12.5cm diameter logo for 526^th Bomb Squadron, 379^th Bomb Group, 8^th USAAF along with the name "Harry" painted to opposite panel. The rear panel has a large painted design that includes the words "Lady Luck" the logo for 8^th USAAF and a B-17 bomber. The interior is lined in a rayon/silk that bears a clothing tag that shows the jacket size as "36". The horsehide leather shows typical usage and wear with some small cuts/tears to the leather. The leather remains soft.