The critically acclaimed 2020 Tom Hanks film "GREYHOUND" depicts warfare in the North Atlantic against German U-Boats in World War II.  Tom Hanks is a very dedicated actor who holds great personal admiration and respect for the WWII veterans, and as such he is very driven to achieve high levels of authenticity.  The production company for "GREYHOUND" hired our founder as a consultant because they were interested in the epitome of historical accuracy, and they purchased our Buzz Rickson's U. S. Navy items because these items are world renowned as the last word in quality and authenticity.  If you see "GREYHOUND," our founder is credited on screen as a consultant and you will see nearly every minute of the film depicting the primary cast, including Tom Hanks, wearing Buzz Rickson's USN winter Deck Jackets, Pea Coats, and work shirts that were supplied in quantity.

The U. S. Navy's Zippered Deck Jacket from 1941 remains a classic.  It was the first of the jacket styles adopted by the USN that would become iconic during WWII.  In 1942, this style, along with the later hook-front and blue N-1 jackets, received a "U. S. NAVY" stencil in silver-gray lettering across the upper back, but the early-production jackets had no such stencil and this Buzz Rickson's version of an early 1942 model is 100% authentic in not having the stencil.  All of these Buzz Rickson deck jackets utilize the same period-correct, heavyweight, corded-cotton fabric found on the heavyweight N-1 jacket, but blue was the only color the zippered style was originally made in; in every way, this is a jacket style that is faithful to the original design and materials utilized.

Buzz Rickson’s philosophy is always to reproduce an item as authentically as humanly possible, which means utilizing the original machinery of the era and making the item so it doesn’t just look the part, but producing the item so it can actually function in the same way the original item was intended, thus Buzz Rickson’s is never engaged in making costumes; they are engaged in recreating rugged, functional history!  A cellulose plastic inner liner is sandwiched between the corded-cotton outer fabric and the blanket-wool lining to help keep cold winds from penetrating to the wearer's body, and heavy, military bar tacks are sewn at every key stress point specified and found on the original deck jackets, thus pocket corners and storm flap are constructed to function and endure in the same adverse, challenging conditions of combat that the jackets produced back in 1942 so did.

Please take note of all of these historically accurate features found on this Buzz Rickson’s masterpiece reproduction of the Zippered Deck Jacket: 

• Exact copy of original USN contract label design woven on vintage shuttle looms

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, heavyweight, corded-cotton outer shell to precisely match USN specs. and correctly dyed in navy blue 

• Cotton-thread construction

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, blanket-wool lining to precisely match 1940’s USN specs and dyed navy blue

• Two external “D-style” hand-warmer patch pockets lined with the correct cotton broadcloth

• Precise copy of a 1942 nickel-plated Talon zipper on correct, all-cotton HBT tape, not incorrect poly-cotton

• Waterproof, windproof celluloid plastic inner liner sandwiched between warm wool inside lining and hard-wearing

• Heavyweight, corded-cotton exterior, exactly as per the original design

• Sewn bar tacks on all major stress points as per the original specs., including pocket corners and placket front

• Large wind flap protector located behind zipper to keep cold air gusts out

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, two-ply 100% worsted-wool knit cuffs, collar and waist band

• Eyelet vents in armpits

Sizes available: 36-44 Regular in even-numbered sizes.  The cut is generous, thus enabling us to comfortably fit chest measures up to 46" or even 48" with size 44. Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit. 

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan

The critically acclaimed 2020 Tom Hanks film "GREYHOUND" depicts warfare in the North Atlantic against German U-Boats in World War II.  Tom Hanks is a very dedicated actor who holds great personal admiration and respect for the WWII veterans, and as such he is very driven to achieve high levels of authenticity.  The production company for "GREYHOUND" hired our founder as a consultant because they were interested in the epitome of historical accuracy, and they purchased our Buzz Rickson's U. S. Navy items because these items are world renowned as the last word in quality and authenticity.  If you see "GREYHOUND," our founder is credited on screen as a consultant and you will see nearly every minute of the film depicting the primary cast, including Tom Hanks, wearing Buzz Rickson's USN winter Deck Jackets, Pea Coats, and work shirts that were supplied in quantity.

This is an exclusive item made only for us! 

The U. S. Navy developed and used many different styles of cold-weather gear and clothing during the 1940's.  A sailor’s duties are very often performed in the most challenging and harsh weather conditions while at sea, thus clothing needed to be durable, warm and functional.  Winter jackets, commonly referred to as “Deck Jackets,” became the most cherished clothing articles of sailors during WWII and among collectors today.  Most of the deck jackets used in WWII evolved from a blue zip-front design that was very similar in appearance to the U. S. Army’s Winter Combat Jacket (Tanker Jacket).  By late 1943, the second version of this Deck Jacket design was being phased out of production and an entirely new design was being brought into use.

This all-new jacket took into account the lessons learned from two hard years of warfare at sea.  Though still manufactured with the same dark blue heavy, corded-cotton outer shell as on earlier examples, alpaca fur was now used as the lining material and the torso length grew longer for greater protection from the elements.  The knit collar was replaced with an alpaca fur collar, and also gone were the knit waist bands, exposed knit cuffs and patch pockets of the old jackets, all of which tended to snag on various objects or parts of a ship and cause tearing.  A new cuff design incorporated the knit cuff hidden up inside the sleeve, thus keeping the knit from snagging while still keeping out the cold wind, and the frontal jacket closure was now facilitated by a zipper as well as buttons.  A drawstring at the jacket’s bottom edges kept the wind out more effectively than the old knit band, all the while eliminating the snagging problem associated with knit bands, and gusseted armpit areas with eyelet vents provided greater freedom of movement and rapid drying of built-up perspiration.  This new design was produced in very small numbers and but for a brief period before it was quickly superseded by a second version manufactured in a light olive drab color (now commonly called khaki) of the same heavy corded fabric.

Buzz Rickson’s took their ever-popular, adroitly re-created N-1 Blue Deck Jacket and introduced it in an even-heavier version. The lining color in the vintage jackets can be found in both gray or brown, so this heavier version has a contrasting brown-colored lining to further distinguish it from the lighter-weight standard version, which really sets off the overall look.

We, as Buzz Rickson’s N. American agent, requested to have made exclusively for us, beginning in the fall of 2014, this same heavy-weight jacket Buzz Rickson’s is famous for, but without the “U. S. NAVY ” stencil in silver-gray on jacket’s back; other than the deletion of the stencil, this is the same jacket type issued to WWII sailors.

The N-1-style Deck Jacket is an all-American classic that looks as great today as it did in 1944, and it functions with many different clothing applications - surely this will fast become a favorite item in your wardrobe.  Please note these authentic features:

• Exact copy of original USN contract label design printed on cotton fabric

• Exact copy of the original DEMOTEX-ED moth-proofing labels often found on the alpaca linings of vintage jackets have been reproduced using vintage shuttle looms

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, heavy, corded-cotton outer shell (this is heavier and even more durable than the outer shell on our standard N-1) to precisely match USN specs. and dyed dark blue

• Cotton-thread construction

• Custom manufacturing of the correct double-faced, brown-hued alpaca fur-and-wool lining to precisely match 1940s USN specs, which is even heavier than the lining of our standard N-1. We cannot say too much about the use of the original, double-faced alpaca, which is what provides the warmth associated with the vintage N-1 Jackets and requires vintage machinery found in Japan; at best, single-faced alpaca is present on cheaper look-alike costume-grade N-1 Jackets and Buzz Rickson's does not make costumes.

• Two external slash pockets

• A meticulous copy of a 1943 zipper in nickel plate has been custom made at extreme expense, precisely matching vintage examples, including all-cotton zipper tape that is folded and glued at the base with no plastic or heat sealing

• Button-front wind flap protector located in front of zipper closure

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, two-ply, worsted wool-knit cuffs in navy blue hidden up inside the sleeves to protect from wear

• Gusseted armpit construction with steel grommet vents

• Drawstring cords at jacket bottom to seal out the wind

• Throat latch that, when fastened, will help thwart chilling winds from entering the jacket neck area

Even-numbered sizes 36-44.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

The critically acclaimed 2020 Tom Hanks film "GREYHOUND" depicts warfare in the North Atlantic against German U-Boats in World War II.  Tom Hanks is a very dedicated actor who holds great personal admiration and respect for the WWII veterans, and as such he is very driven to achieve high levels of authenticity.  The production company for "GREYHOUND" hired our founder as a consultant because they were interested in the epitome of historical accuracy, and they purchased our Buzz Rickson's U. S. Navy items because these items are world renowned as the last word in quality and authenticity.  If you see "GREYHOUND," our founder is credited on screen as a consultant and you will see nearly every minute of the film depicting the primary cast wearing Buzz Rickson's USN winter Deck Jackets, Pea Coats, and work shirts that were supplied in quantity; more specifically, however, Tom Hanks is outfitted wearing this exact same Buzz Rickson's USN CPO shirt throughout nearly the entire film.

This all-time classic shirt jacket has become universally known as a “CPO Shirt," though the actual application of this garment was not limited to U. S. Navy Chief Petty Officers.  The shirt was developed for cold-weather work duty in the 1930's and, in practice, could be worn even by officers.  The style evolved over the years, eventually having two breast pockets both with open tops and with pocket flaps, but the 1st version is immediately identifiable by the single breast pocket with scalloped pocket flap. Scores of these shirts were produced to meet the needs of the U. S. Navy during WWII.  The clean, simple, practical  design of the shirt, particularly this one-pocket version, and its hard-wearing, cozy, wool-flannel construction met with a very favorable reception by the sailors to whom it was issued.  After WWII, the “CPO Shirts,” as they came to be called, were widely worn among the civilian population of the USA due to the vast number of discharged sailors who continued to wear their issue shirts and the availability of issue garments sold via Army/Navy surplus stores. 

The popularity of this “CPO Shirt” design grew increasingly in the post-WWII decades, being offered for sale in the 1960's and 1970's in a variety of colors and even in plaid prints, sold by such big-name American retailers as Sears and Roebuck, J. C. Penney, and Montgomery Ward, though it was the later jacket version with two square-edged flap pockets these retailers marketed vs. the one-pocket 1st model. 

There has been a moderate resurgence in the last decade or so of some of the garments associated with the 1960's and 1970's and the “CPO Shirt” has been offered in various forms by today’s bigger names in the fashion industry, though the garments themselves pale in qualitative comparison to those from the 1930's – 1950's - except this Buzz Rickson’s masterpiece!

Once again, Buzz Rickson’s brand has resurrected a bygone treasure from the ground up, utilizing the vintage looms and know-how to craft fabrics not seen in 50 years or more, then deftly sewing the pieces together with vintage Union Special sewing machines to provide a finished product that comes as close to the vintage garment as possible.  What we end up with is a “CPO Shirt” that transcends fashion by light years and bolts straight to the heart of classic style through the very functionality of the original design that has been so deftly reproduced. 

The weight and quality of the wool, the fine details such as the twill-backed frontal closure, chain-stitched runoff with gusset on the shirttail, collar stand, and the simple clean lines of the 1st model with one scalloped-flap pocket all speak loudly about the production and design mindsets behind this gallant reproduction.  Perhaps the most special feature of this style is the use of boiled wool, which is then dried naturally in the sun outdoors to yield a soft, non-scratchy hand that feels like a vintage favorite worn by an old salt.  

This is top-quality vintage craftsmanship irreplaceable at any price – this is Buzz Rickson’s.  Please take note of these authentic features:  

• Exact copy of original U. S. Naval Clothing Factory contract label design printed on cotton

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, heavy-weight, wool-flannel on vintage looms, which is then boiled and dyed outdoors in sunlight so it's not scratchy and feels like an old salt's favorite shirt

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, all-cotton twill backing on frontal closure

• Cotton-thread construction

• Original-spec. one-pocket design with scalloped flap

• Custom manufacturing of the original-style urea buttons with fouled anchor

• Chain-stitched runoff with gusseted shirttail

• Collar stand with early, more pointed collar 

• Counter-rotated right cuff (this isn't an error - this is how a 1st-Model CPO shirt should be)

Even sizes 36-44 Regular.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.  

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan  

The critically acclaimed 2020 Tom Hanks film "GREYHOUND" depicts warfare in the North Atlantic against German U-Boats in World War II.  Tom Hanks is a very dedicated actor who holds great personal admiration and respect for the WWII veterans, and as such he is very driven to achieve high levels of authenticity.  The production company for "GREYHOUND" hired our founder as a consultant because they were interested in the epitome of historical accuracy, and they purchased our Buzz Rickson's U. S. Navy items because these items are world renowned as the last word in quality and authenticity.  If you see "GREYHOUND," our founder is credited on screen as a consultant and you will see nearly every minute of the film depicting the primary cast, including Tom Hanks, wearing Buzz Rickson's USN winter Deck Jackets, Pea Coats, and work shirts that were supplied in quantity.

The U. S. Navy developed and used many different styles of cold-weather gear and clothing during the 1940s. A sailor’s duties are very often performed in the most challenging and harsh weather conditions while at sea, thus clothing needed to be durable, warm and functional. Winter jackets, commonly referred to as “Deck Jackets,” became the most cherished clothing articles of sailors during WWII and among collectors today. Most of the deck jackets used in WWII evolved from a blue zip-front design that was very similar in appearance to the U. S. Army’s Winter Combat Jacket (Tanker Jacket). By late 1943, the second version of this Deck Jacket design was being phased out of production and an entirely new design was being brought into use.

This all-new jacket of late 1943 took into account the lessons learned from two hard years of warfare at sea. Though still manufactured with the same dark blue heavy corded cotton outer shell as on earlier examples, alpaca fur was now used as the lining material and the torso length grew longer for greater protection from the elements. The knit collar was replaced with an alpaca fur collar and also gone were the knit waist bands, exposed knit cuffs and patch pockets of the old jackets, all of which tended to snag on various objects or parts of a ship and cause tearing. A new cuff design incorporated the knit cuff hidden up inside the sleeve, thus keeping the knit from snagging while still keeping out the cold wind, and the frontal jacket closure was now facilitated by a zipper as well as buttons. A drawstring at the jacket’s bottom edges kept the wind out more effectively than the old knit band all the while eliminating the snagging problem associated with the knit bands, and gusseted armpit areas with eyelet vents provided greater freedom of movement and rapid drying of built-up perspiration. This new style was produced in very small numbers and but for a very brief period before being superceded in 1944 by a second version manufactured in a light olive drab color of the same corded fabric. The newer 1944 style produced in light olive drab had some features deleted that were incorporated in its earlier blue sibling but now determined to be unnecessary, though it is the blue version of this deck jacket, now referred to by collectors as the Blue N-1 Jacket, that clearly saw more prolific action on D-Day and is the most scarce style today of the four major USN deck jacket styles of WWII.

The N-1-style Deck Jacket is an all-American classic that looks as great today as it did in 1943, and it functions with many different clothing applications - surely this will fast become a favorite item in your wardrobe. Scorn the cookie-cutter look of “mall” jackets and grab a piece of 20th century American history that combines style with durability and utility.

This Buzz Rickson’s USN blue N-1-style Deck Jacket copy superbly captures all of the nuances and features found on a vintage original example from 1943. Take note of these authentic features:

• Exact copy of original USN contract label design printed on cotton fabric

• Exact duplication of the original silver-grey stencil property mark “U. S. NAVY” applied across back between shoulders

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, heavy, corded-cotton outer shell to precisely match USN specs. and dyed navy blue

• Cotton thread construction

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, double-faced, grey-hued alpaca fur-and-wool lining to precisely match 1940s USN specs. We cannot say too much about the use of the original, double-faced alpaca, which is what provides the warmth associated with the vintage N-1 Jackets and requires vintage machinery found in Japan; at best, single-faced alpaca is present on cheaper look-alike costume-grade N-1 Jackets and Buzz Rickson's does not make costumes.

• Two external slash pockets

• Vintage-style 1943 nickel CONMATIC zipper

• Button-front wind flap protector located in front of zipper closure

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, two-ply, worsted wool-knit cuffs in navy blue, hidden up inside the sleeves to protect from wear

• Gusseted armpit construction with eyelet vents

• Drawstring cords at jacket bottom to seal out the wind

Even-numbered sizes:  34-44.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan

The U. S. Navy’s original Pea Coat featured black urea buttons displaying an anchor surrounded by 13 stars; the 13 stars were derived from the original 13 states when the United States became an independent nation and broke its ties to England in 1776.  The large-sized collar of the coat was designed to block strong ocean winds and the corduroy-lined side pockets helped thwart the numbing effect on hands from the biting winter seas.  By the 1930's, the coats were redesigned:  the extra lower pockets and longer length were gone, and the 13-star buttons were changed to a fouled-anchor design.

Clearly, it was WWII that catapulted the Pea Coat to iconic status as sailors home on leave or traveling to their next duty could be seen in every town, and then there was the war bond poster of the Five Sullivan boys; an inspiring image forever frozen in time with all five handsomely attired in their winter blues and Pea Coats.  After WWII, the Pea Coat became widely worn among the civilian population of the USA due to the vast number of discharged sailors who continued to wear their issue coats and the availability of issue coats sold via Army/Navy surplus stores.  The popularity of this coat design grew increasingly in the post-WWII decades and has remained an iconic staple in the wardrobe of any well-dressed man or woman to this day.  Pea Coats exist in many forms now, most of which are some sort of fashion mutation, and all pale in weight and quality of fabric and construction to the issue garments produced prior to the late 1950's – except this Buzz Rickson’s masterpiece!

Once again, Buzz Rickson’s brand has resurrected a bygone treasure from the ground up, utilizing the vintage looms and know-how to craft fabrics not typically seen today, then deftly sewing the pieces together with vintage Union Special sewing machines to provide a finished product that comes very close to the vintage garment.  What we end up with is a Pea Coat that transcends fashion by light years and bolts straight to the heart of classic style through the very functionality of the original design that has been so deftly reproduced.

You see, the glut of fashion Pea Coats found in catalogs and shopping malls the world over all have one big thing in common that separates them from a true Pea Coat of the Good Old Days:  fashion Pea Coats aren’t designed to do anything more than look like a Pea Coat!  Pick up any Pea Coat marketed today and feel the flimsy, sportcoat-grade poly-wool fabric, the knap of which pills into unsightly little balls with the first sign of hard use, condemning the coat to the trash within a few short seasons and never having kept anyone warm at latitudes further north than Miami. 

This Buzz Rickson’s Pea Coat is no light-weight fashionista statement, sweethearts; it’s made from 36-ounce melton wool and lined with heavy rayon, both of which minimize loss of body heat and will wear as ferociously as did the Pea Coats that won WWII.  This is top-quality vintage craftsmanship irreplaceable at any price – this is Buzz Rickson’s.  Please take note of these authentic features:

• Exact copy of original U. S. Naval Clothing Factory contract label design woven on rayon

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, heavy-weight, 36-ounce, melton-wool outer shell in navy blue and produced on vintage looms

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, heavy rayon lining with two interior pockets

• Cotton thread construction

• Two external hand-warmer pockets lined in the original-spec. heavy-weight corduroy

• Original-spec.10-button front featuring the pre-WWII urea buttons displaying an anchor surrounded by 13 stars

• Large wind-blocking collar with throat latch

Even-numbered sizes 34-46.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan.

The critically acclaimed 2020 Tom Hanks film "GREYHOUND" depicts warfare in the North Atlantic against German U-Boats in World War II.  Tom Hanks is a very dedicated actor who holds great personal admiration and respect for the WWII veterans, and as such he is very driven to achieve high levels of authenticity.  The production company for "GREYHOUND" hired our founder as a consultant because they were interested in the epitome of historical accuracy, and they purchased our Buzz Rickson's U. S. Navy items because these items are world renowned as the last word in quality and authenticity.  If you see "GREYHOUND," our founder is credited on screen as a consultant and you will see nearly every minute of the film depicting the primary cast wearing Buzz Rickson's USN winter Deck Jackets and work shirts that were supplied in quantity; more specifically, however, Tom Hanks is outfitted in the first combat scene wearing this exact same Hook-Front Deck Jacket.

The U. S. Navy's Hook-Front Deck Jacket from 1943 remains a classic.  Just as with Buzz Rickson's Heavyweight, Non-Stenciled N-1 Deck Jackets, this style has been meticulously and precisely copied from vintage examples in every way, with the exception of not printing the "U. S. NAVY" text on the jacket's back.  All of these Buzz Rickson deck jackets utilize the same period-correct, heavyweight, corded-cotton fabric found on the heavyweight N-1 jacket, but blue is the only color the hook-front style was originally made in.   In every other way, this is a jacket style that is faithful to the original design and materials utilized.

Buzz Rickson’s philosophy is always to reproduce an item as authentically as humanly possible, which means utilizing the original machinery of the era and making the item so it doesn’t just look the part, but producing the item so it can actually function in the same way the original item was intended, thus Buzz Rickson’s is never engaged in making costumes; they are engaged in recreating rugged, functional history!  A cellulose plastic inner liner is sandwiched between the corded-cotton outer fabric and the blanket-wool lining to help keep cold winds from penetrating to the wearer's body, and heavy, military bar tacks are sewn at every key stress point specified and found on the original deck jackets, thus pocket corners and storm flap are constructed to function and endure in the same adverse, challenging conditions of combat that the jackets produced back in 1943 so did.

Please take note of all of these historically accurate features found on this Buzz Rickson’s masterpiece reproduction of the 1943 Hook-Front Deck Jacket: 

• Exact copy of original USN contract label design woven on vintage shuttle looms

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, heavyweight, corded-cotton outer shell to precisely match USN specs. and correctly dyed in dark blue 

• Cotton-thread construction

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, blanket-wool lining to precisely match 1940’s USN specs and dyed dark blue

• Two external “D-style” hand-warmer patch pockets lined with the correct cotton broadcloth

• Magnificent copy of the USN 1943-spec. hinging, hook-style metal clasps in oxide finish

• Waterproof, windproof celluloid plastic inner liner sandwiched between warm wool inside lining and hard-wearing

• Corded shell exterior, exactly as per the original design

• Sewn bar tacks on all major stress points as per the original specs., including pocket corners and placket front

• Large wind flap protector located behind clasp closure to keep cold air gusts and water out

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, two-ply 100% worsted-wool knit cuffs, collar and waist band

• Eyelet vents in armpits

Sizes available: 36-44 Regular in even-numbered sizes.  The cut is generous, thus enabling us to comfortably fit chest measures up to 46" or even 48" with size 44. Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit. 

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan

This A-2 Flight Jacket is complete with the ornate insignia of the famous 23rd Fighter Group. The 23rd Fighter Group was formed in July 1942 as part of the China Air Task Force (CATF), marking the first such activation of a fighter group on a field of battle in WWII. The 23rd was comprised of three fighter squadrons: 74th, 75th and 76th.  Previously, some of the pilots of the 23^rd had served in that small volunteer unit known as The American Volunteer Group (AVG - also known as the FLYING TIGERS), the personnel of which had been hired by the Chinese government in their war against the Japanese.  Commanded by the tenacious Brigadier General Claire Lee Chennault, the AVG had gained notoriety as a force to be taken seriously.

After the USA entered the war, the AVG was amalgamated into the 23rd Ftr. Grp. and the tradition of marking the unit’s P-40 fighter planes with the distinctive-and-fearsome shark mouth carried on, along with the use of their mascot - the Flying Tiger. The combat record of the 23rd goes down in history as being one of the most illustrious in the US Army Force, creating notable aces such as the great Don Lopez and David 'Tex' Hill.

Before returning to the United States in December 1945, the 23rd had flown 24,000 combat sorties requiring more than 53,000 flying hours, and at a cost of 110 aircraft lost in aerial combat, with 90 shot down by surface defenses, and 28 bombed while on the ground.  The 23^rd was credited with destroying many more than their number lost: - 621 enemy planes destroyed in air combat - 320 enemy planes destroyed on the ground - sinking more than 131,000 tons of enemy shipping and damaging 250,000 tons more - enemy troop losses of more than 20,000.

This representation of a 23rd Ftr. Grp. A-2 Jacket is based upon our Rough Wear Clothing Company 1401-P A-2 Flying Jacket. The RW 1401 is a suitable candidate for this unit, having been produced in the last quarter of 1941, thus being available from when the 23rd was first activated.  For more information and details of authenticity about this A-2 model, please refer to this specific product found among Eastman’s Original-Maker A-2 Jackets.

This A-2 Jacket has been embellished with the appropriate insignia and markings of the unit in exquisitely hand-made, layered-leather patches to include the following: - 23rd Ftr. Grp. insignia applied to left breast - CBI shield to left shoulder - AAF roundel to right shoulder - 23rd Ftr. Grp. stencil to lining We cannot emphasize enough the degree of detailing and quality in these jaw-dropping patches. Each piece is hand-cut and then sewn using minute-but-accurate stitching - the 23rd insignia alone comprises no less than 40 pieces of leather in its construction! Finally, it's given Eastman’s TimeWorn® process with even greater detailing than that of their regular finish, which renders the garment with a stunning vintage patina that is unbelievably uncontrived in appearance, making for a first-rate vintage look directly out of the box. The final product is delivered to you in a custom-made, metal-edge, hard-card box to treasure forever, and eventually hand-down to your next generation - just like a vintage A-2 Jacket heirloom.  

This A-2 Jacket is custom order only.  Sizes available: 36-48 regular. Long and extra-long fittings available at no additional cost on special order only.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.   Imported from England

This A-2 Flight Jacket represents and example from the famous 303rd Bombardment Group.  The 303rd Bombardment Group was formed on 28 January 1942 and the official unit motto was “Might in Flight.”  Their wartime exploits would go down in history, relegating the 303rd as one of the most famous heavy bombardment units of WWII, where they achieved legendary status as the “Hell's Angels” group.

Arriving at Molesworth, England on 9 September 1942, the 303rd was assigned to the 8th Air Force, being one of the very first American heavy bombardment groups to arrive in England to join the British in the bombing campaign against Germany. The 303rd went on to fly more combat missions than any other bombardment group in the USAAF, 364 missions in total, and taking part in some of the bloodiest sorties of the war; targets that included:  The ball-bearing plants at Schweinfurt, shipbuilding yards at Bremen, synthetic-rubber plant at Huls, the aircraft engine factories of Hamburg, the industrial quarter of Frankfurt, and the marshaling yards at Le Mans.  These infamous names were among the destinations where they flew to hell and back, and which earned them a well-deserved Distinguished Unit Citation.

Proud of their group's reputation, some airmen had their jackets painted on the back with various motifs and slogans; in the case of the 303rd, if it wasn’t the plane’s name you flew on, chances are it was “Hell's Angels” that adorned the back of your A-2 Jacket.  Quite often the painting of “Hell’s Angels” would be accompanied by a series of bombs which depicted the number of missions flown.

We are extremely proud to offer an incredible recreation of an original “Hell's Angels” back-painted A-2 Jacket of the famous 303rd Bombardment Group. 1st Lt Constantine J. Duros was a Bombardier in the 360th Bombardment Squadron who completed a tour, flying 29 missions in total, and he had his Rough Wear Clothing Co. contract 27752 A-2 Jacket painted in such a way that typified many of the back-painted A-2 Jackets from the 303rd Group.

Utilizing their reproduction of this very same Rough Wear Clo. Co. 27752 A-2 Jacket (for more information and details of authenticity about this A-2 model, please refer to Rough Wear 27752 A-2 found among Eastman’s Original-Maker A-2 Jackets), Eastman has recreated an exact replica of the Duros A-2 Jacket.  As you will see from the images in the photo gallery, the back painting is superbly executed, and it has been hand worked in order to capture the essence of a time-aged original. To the front left breast is sewn a superb hand-embroidered “Hell's Angels” insignia (360th B.Sqdn.), which is a perfect recreation of a theatre-made original example.

This A-2 Jacket is finally given Eastman’s TimeWorn® process with even greater detailing than that of their regular finish, which renders the garment with a stunning vintage patina that is unbelievably uncontrived in appearance, making for a first-rate vintage look directly out of the box.  And both the painting and the patch meld into the leather as though they have been seated there for decades, giving you the ultimate in a recreation of a true vintage icon.

Attached to the right collar clasp is a perfect reproduction of an Acme Thunderer Air Ministry whistle - a detail which is often found on original USAAF flight jackets which were used by airmen who were based in England.  These whistles are made of nickel-plated solid brass and then also TimeWorn® to convincingly match the patina of the jacket.

This product is delivered to you in a custom-made, metal-edge, hard-card box to treasure forever, and eventually hand-down to your next generation - just like a vintage A-2 Jacket heirloom.

This A-2 Jacket is custom order only.  Due to the extremely specialist nature of this product only a very few pieces can be made on a yearly basis, so we ask for your kind understanding if delivery times are particularly extended when ordering this item.

Disclaimer:  “Hells Angels” is a registered trademark of the “Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.”  The use of the term “Hell's Angels” with regard to the product advertised here is used purely and entirely in historical context to describe that which it is a reproduction of - a jacket of the 303rd Bombardment Group known and historically documented as “Hell's Angels” of the U. S. Army Air Forces of World War II.  This product is not affiliated with or endorsed by the “Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.”

Sizes available: 36-48 regular. Long and extra-long fittings available at no additional cost on special order only.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from England

This A-2 Flight Jacket comes complete with authentic back art copied from a vintage example that saw action with the Mighty 8th Air Force.  During WWII it was very common for bomber crews of the USAAF to nickname their aircraft and adorn the plane’s fuselage with a painting of the name. Other graphics, such as cartoon characters, pin-up girls, and bombs for missions flown, were also sometimes added to further embellish their plane with an identity.

One such aircraft was a B-24 Liberator bomber known as “UMBRIAGO” of the 489th Bombardment Group. “Umbriago” was a word of the early 1940s, having been made famous by comedian/entertainer Jimmy Durante, who had a hit song of the same name; Umbriago was Jimmy's jovial, fictitious side-kick.  It was from this good-luck character that inspiration was taken for the naming of this aircraft.

Assigned to the 8th Air Force in the Spring of 1944 and stationed at RAF Halesworth, England, the 489th arrived at the very height of the air offensive against Germany, and the “UMBRIAGO” was right there in the thick of it.

Taking part in a multitude of bombing missions throughout most of 1944 (which included several just prior to and during D-Day, and with one crewman collecting a Medal of Honor on the way), the 489th was finally relieved of assignment on the 29th of November 1944.  However, the “UMBRIAGO” was re-assigned to the 446th Bombardment Group, where she continued to deliver her payloads to the enemy until the 27th December 1944.  Misfortune befell her at this point when she crashed in fog while taking off at Bungay-Flixton airfield, bringing her remarkable wartime career to an end, which unfortunately included the pilot; fortuitously, the rest of the crew survived.

Just prior to leaving the 489th, the entire crew of the “UMBRIAGO” did what many crews of the USAAF did when completing a tour - they had the backs of their A-2 Flying Jackets decorated with a painting of the name of their aircraft to celebrate their achievement.  In this case, the design incorporated a yellow '8' (for 8th Air Force) centered within the U. S. white star that, in turn, is mounted upon a blue disc.  One bomb for each mission flown was painted in white and fanned around the disc in a symmetrical fashion with the word “UMBRIAGO” above.  That was nearly 70 years ago - incredibly, one of those eight jackets, that of Navigator Lt. Milton R. Johnson, has survived.  Johnson’s original Star Sportswear, back-painted A-2 Jacket has made it through the years to still tell the tale of the famous “UMBRIAGO.”

It is Lt. Johnson's back-painted A-2 Jacket that is illustrated and recreated here as part of the Elite Units series.  Utilizing Eastman’s original-maker Star Sportswear A-2 Jacket (the same maker as Johnson’s A-2 Jacket), the “UMBRIAGO” artwork is meticulously hand painted matching the dimensions, colors, and texture of the original artwork to absolute perfection.  This A-2 Jacket, in turn, has been hand worked to capture the essence of a time-aged original jacket, offering one of the most striking back-painted A-2s of that era. The painted Navigator wings, which were also a feature of Johnson’s   A-2 Jacket, are accurately depicted on the front left breast.

For more information and details of authenticity about this Star Sportswear A-2 model, please refer to this specific product found among Eastman’s Original-Maker A-2 Jackets.

This A-2 Jacket is finally given Eastman’s TimeWorn® process with even greater detailing than that of their regular finish, which renders the garment with a stunning vintage patina that is unbelievably uncontrived in appearance, making for a first-rate vintage look directly out of the box.

Attached to the right collar clasp is a perfect reproduction of an Acme Thunderer Air Ministry whistle - a detail which is often found on original USAAF flight jackets which were used by airmen who were based in England.  These whistles are made of nickel-plated solid brass and then also TimeWorn® to convincingly match the patina of the jacket.

This product is delivered to you in a custom-made, metal-edge, hard-card box to treasure forever, and eventually hand-down to your next generation - just like a vintage A-2 Jacket heirloom.

This A-2 Jacket is custom order only.  Due to the extremely specialist nature of this product only a very few pieces can be made on a yearly basis, so we ask for your kind understanding if delivery times are particularly extended when ordering this item.

Sizes available: 36-48 regular. Long and extra-long fittings available at no additional cost on special order only.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from England