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We received Gilbert Kohler's beautiful A-2 jacket from his loving daughter Debbie, who felt that it would be better served on public display on this site for interested viewers. It was also in need of conditioning, which, given its original shape when we got it, brought the faded artwork spectacularly back to life. Mr. Kohler flew 52 missions in the MTO with the 301st Bombardment Group, 32nd Bombardment Squadron, 15th Air Force as an aerial gunner.
Note the unusual pin-up
"Shoo Shoo Baby" on the left chest. Typically "girlie" art is usually found
on the back of jackets but perhaps Mr. Kohler was modest, or, like several
airmen we've spoken to, was afraid of offending his parents on returning
home after WWII. All insignia is painted directly on the A-2 and, unusually
too, the XV AF shield and US Flag are together on the left sleeve; usually
they are on separate sleeves. An Aero Leather, Beacon, NY jacket, like so
many, this displays the strong russet. chestnut component in the original
pigmentation (usually mistakenly called Seal Brown by the ignorant), which often fades, leaving a mottled color.
This jacket shows postwar restoration by the family of the knit and zippers.