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Chuck Yeager A2 from the smithsonian

dinomartino1

Well-Known Member
Chuck Yeager A2 from the smithsonian
Monarch size 40

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B-Man2

Well-Known Member
No modern jacketsmith, and i do mean none, can make a jacket that looks like that.
Totally agree with you on that, also part of the look of that jacket comes from climbing in and out of cockpits, strapping on harnesses, climbing through doorways and a variety of other experiences on a daily basis that would be difficult to duplicate today. For example look at MacArthur s jacket from the same period . Not a shade of the character that Yeagers A2 has, because MacArthurs jacket was a fashion statement not a piece of kit like Yeagers jacket.



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B-Man2

Well-Known Member
Not sure about MacArthurs A2 being a fashion statement, rather he just saw it as a practical and comfortable jacket that was fit for purpose. Like Montgomery wearing an Irvin or Patton his B3, those guys I doubt were fashion conscious.
John
I respectfully acknowledge your post and agree with your assessment of Montgomery but not MacArthur and Patton here’s why . MacArthur was known for being pompous and always seeking the spotlight in anything that he was involved in doing. The famous picture of him walking in the water at the beachhead when returning to the Philippines was staged and done a couple of times until he was satisfied with the results . He was absolutely into his look and appearance. You have to go no further than his custom made hat with the addition of multiple lines of braid that no other General Officer of the time and rank wore or possessed . Many officers smoked pipes in his day but only he smoked a corn cob pipe and that was over the top as well for appearance sake . There are several photos of him , always taken with the braided cap the A2 jacket, the pipe and Ray Ban type Sunglasses . All for appearance purposes . I have to respectfully disagree with you on this point. He was into appearances and the A2 , pipe hat and sun glasses were his signature look which equals fashion statements. Don’t get me started on Patton . Now having said that I mean no disrespect to any of them.

Sorry Dino not trying to hi jack your thread.
 
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johnwayne

Well-Known Member
Well B-Man2 I bow your knowledge of MacArthur and thinking about it yes his pics do look a bit posed! Maybe it's me but I just never really looked on those guys and their peers as anything other than great commanders who did a great job at a crucial time, probably heroes to some, so in my book they can be fashionistas too if they want!
 

Silver Surfer

Well-Known Member
throughout history there have always been some peacocks in uniform. some were real dandies. some were shitty officers, and some great. you can take your pick.
 
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Garylafortuna

Well-Known Member
Hermann Goering had to be at the top of the list. Napoleon a close runner up. And let us not forget Julius Caesar. Great narcissists all.
 
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Silver Surfer

Well-Known Member
ill bet that when the nargs fought the tzergs, there was a guy with "the" elc sheepskin, and the other guys [cro mags and nadis] on both sides, either oohed and ahhed, or gagged, depending on the out come of the battle and or war.
 

dinomartino1

Well-Known Member
Not sure about MacArthurs A2 being a fashion statement, rather he just saw it as a practical and comfortable jacket that was fit for purpose. Like Montgomery wearing an Irvin or Patton his B3, those guys I doubt were fashion conscious.
About the only original I have no interest in.
 

Spitfireace

Well-Known Member
9/05/02
Time:
8:34:45 PM

Captain Max Petrisek "Pete" BombGp: 17th Squadron: 95th Years: 1942-1945 Class: 43F Location: Blytheville. Ark. Best wishes to all B26ers & their relatives & friends. Prior to Pilot training I graduated from Aircraft Mechanic School in Keesler Field, Biloxi, Miss. While I "sweatted-out" getting into Cadets. I flew 63 missions out of Sardinia, Corsica, & Dejon, France. My original combat crew included Joe Shopes, pilot & Cam Tensi, Bomb./Navigator. We flew over on the Southern route ending to a staging facility in N. Africa. There we spent a few weeks with an assignment to train French pilots in new B26. In Sardinia the 3 of us were fortunate to be bunked with a pro pilot Lt. Roberts. Roberts was a mover & shaker & soon we had the best tent in the Sqd., concrete floors, brick walls behind the canvas sides, a chute for our ceiling, sink with hot & cold running water. We were next to the shower area & soon had other luxuries as home made furniture, special booze, fruit & connections due to Roberts personality. Cam who was Italian was also helpful in making connections with the natives. We accepted extra assignments as Officer of: Motor Pool, Mess Hall & Bar & I being an eager beaver became Training Officer. With Roberts connections we soon were flying to Sicily to haul back special food, traded with natives & the "loaded" US Navy. Yes, there were missions which for us started around the conclusion of Anzio Beach Battle. It was amazing how little combat simulation or indoctrination we had. I was lucky, my 1st mission was with Capt "Marty" Martinson as the cool pilot. There was never a finer Mentor. He later was flight Operations Officer. After many missions "Marty" & Major "Bohmant" assigned me to fly as Command Pilot on a 24 plane mission. With luck & lot of concern, "all returned", my job was accomplished! Might have been the youngest Command Pilot in the AF as I was only 20. Regretfully Schoeps, Tensi, & tail gunner Smitty, Sgt Gunnels were lost. I am willing to communicate with B26ers that are interested. Sincerely, Max/"Pete" 9-02
 
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