C024782 9TH USAAF, 585TH BRIDGE BUSTERS BOMB SQUADRON, 394TH BOMB GROUP FLIGHT JACKET.

BACKGROUND: The 394th Bomb Group was activated in February 1943. They flew missions in the B26 Martin Marauder twin engine bombers from Boreham airfield in Essex before being based in France, Holland and finally Germany. On March 23, 1944 the group flew its first of 99 daylight combat missions from Boreham airfield that earned them the title "Bridge Busters", as their primary targets were road and rail bridges. The 394th earned a Distinguished Unit Citation while in France from August 7-9, 1944 and the French Croix de Guerre with palm while in France from June 6 to September 14, 1944.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A type A-2 , waist-length flight jacket of brown leather with a metal zipper front closure (that still functions) and a lay down pointed collar. A pair of hidden snap closures are under each of the collar tips. A hook, but no eyelet is present to the neck. Integral shoulder straps are present that bear faded Lieutenant bars. Both the waistband and cuffs are elasticized, but are different shades of brown. A pair of scalloped flap, patch pockets are to the waist; of which there is one of the remaining snaps to the left pocket. Painted to the front, left panel are thirty eight, white painted bombs that indicate the number of runs he made with the Bridge Busters. A large leather patch representing the 585th is sewn to the right panel that shows cracking and wear. Above the patch is a leather name tag with "W.B. Quinlivan" embossed to it. Attached to the jacket is a "Acme Thunderer", made in England whistle, as well as a knob off the dash of the B-26 he flew (as per the grandson of Mr. Quinlivan) to the zipper. The interior is fully lined with a faded silk tag sewn to the neck that shows the jacket as a size 40, as well as "Type A-2" and "Chicago Illinois". The leather, and interior shows usage and wear with some tearing to the lining, as well as holes to the ribbing, and exterior of the collar. Some research is also included. Quinlivan was awarded the Air Medal with six oak leaves. Very Rare!!!

GRADE ****                             PRICE $2,450.00

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