We obtained this unusual and beautiful A-2 in
trade from its owner, James Welch, who was issued it in 1946 when he joined
the AAF. A fine Russet Horsehide, the jacket has atypical features: no
collar snaps or hang loop, a cotton khaki twill lining and late- or postwar Talon zipper.
Very heavy hides, not unlike the horsehides we use on our own LOST WORLDS
A-2 jackets.
When the Korean War broke out in 1950, the
USAF was caught napping and lulled both by post WWII demobilization and a
belief that our atomic arsenal would deter further wars. The air Order of
Battle was sadly lacking many important components, one of which was
accurate knowledge of the Korean Peninsula and accurate weather forecasting
for strike planning. The 6166 Weather Reconnaissance Wing was hastily formed
to redress this weakness. In black-painted B-26s, the 6166 flew dangerous,
low altitude night reconnaissance, to pinpoint weather conditions and Red
targets for both tactical and strategic bombing missions; then as the
squadron patch indicates, the unit's tasks were expanded to pick up Red
radio transmissions through electronic snooping.
The stunning, large Japanese-embroidered
"Snooper" patch boasts spectacular artwork and absolute rarity.
Yet another of the countless, fascinating
combat sidelights one encounters whenever he comes into contact with the
history behind the artifact. The jacket is an index to the airman's valor
and commitment, not vice versa, as some wannabes would think.
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