Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely example of a WWII Us Army 8th Army Air Forces, enlisted Class-A coat that belonged to a Staff Sergeant George W. Thomas of the 446th Bombardment Group, who served as an Aerial Gunner during WWII. The Aerial Gunner Badge was a military aeronautical badge of the United States Army Air Forces and was issued during the Second World War. The badge was first created and authorized on April 29, 1943 to recognize both the training and hazardous duty of aerial gunners, who manned defensive machine guns on board such aircraft as the B-17, B-24, B-25, B-26 and B-29 bombers. The Aerial Gunner Badge appeared as a standard observer badge, upon which was centered a winged bullet. It was primarily awarded to USAAF enlisted aircrewmen, but a small number of commissioned officers also qualified and were awarded this insignia, to include film actor Clark Gable.
The uniform coat is in wonderful condition and is offered without any extensive damage or moth nips. The front left chest features an Aerial Gunner Badge above 3 ribbons. The ribbons are the EAME which has 4 bronze star devices present, Army Good Conduct and Air Medal with Oak Leaf. The left shoulder features an embroidered SSI for the 8th Army Air Force.
Both sleeves have a chevron indicating the rank of Staff Sergeant. The interior is marked faintly with his name. The button present on the Class-A jacket are very interesting. They are marked on the back with GAUNT, LONDON. Gaunt was the manufacturer of enameled and button badges. Established in the 18th century, the firm prospered as a manufacturer of badges and buttons for the armed forces. Registered in 1899, it had a London base from the 19th century until at least the 1930s into early 1940s. Subsequently became a subsidiary of the Royal Mint (q.v.).
A lovely uniform set that comes more than ready for further research and display.
Approximate Measurements:
Jacket:
Collar to shoulder: 9.5"
Shoulder to sleeve: 26.5”
Shoulder to shoulder: 16”
Chest width: 18"
Waist width: 17"
Hip width: 20"
Front length: 34"
Shirt:
Collar to shoulder: 9"
Shoulder to sleeve: 24”
Shoulder to shoulder: 17”
Chest width: 21"
Waist width: 21"
Hip width: 17.5"
Front length: 34"
Pants:
Waist: 16.5"
Inseam: 28"
- This product is available for international shipping.
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