Description This vintage jacket, dated 1941, appears to be a WWII-era military garment with historical significance. The text on the back reads: “Donated by Northern Gear, American Red Cross, China 1941,” along with imagery and text related to the "10th Bombardment Group." The artwork is typical of bomber jackets from WWII, featuring hand-painted designs often used by servicemen to customize their gear with unit insignia, nose art, or morale-boosting imagery. The jacket has a leather collar and cotton or canvas body, consistent with materials used in military apparel during that period.
Historical Context The 10th Bombardment Group was part of the U.S. Army Air Corps, and their operations included missions in China, where American forces were aiding Chinese allies against Japanese forces. The mention of the American Red Cross indicates this jacket might have been part of relief supplies donated to troops or used by American personnel stationed in China during the war. Such items were often adorned post-production with artwork that reflected the unit’s identity or personal flair.
Condition The jacket appears to be in good condition for its age. The artwork on the back, while faded, remains discernible, which is crucial for collectors. There are no visible tears, significant stains, or signs of major structural damage. Some wear and patina are expected and add to its authenticity and character.
Value Given its unique provenance, hand-painted artwork, and connection to the American Red Cross and WWII, this jacket has significant value to collectors of militaria and vintage clothing. Prices for similar jackets can vary widely based on condition, rarity, and historical significance.
Estimated Value: $750–$1,200 USD If this jacket is confirmed to be authentic and directly tied to the 10th Bombardment Group, the value could increase, particularly to specialized collectors or museums.
Recommendation To maximize its value:
Authentication: Consult with a military historian or appraiser specializing in WWII artifacts to verify its authenticity and historical connections.
Preservation: Store the jacket in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight to prevent further fading or damage.
Provenance: If possible, research and document its history further to enhance its appeal to collectors.
Love this jacket and dug deep from my files regarding it's history, decorated jackets like this one sell at a premium, some with presale estimated of 1500.00- $3000.00, I'd peg this one at $1800.00.
Here is some history for you:
The 10th Bombardment Group was a unit of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) during World War II. Here's an overview of its history and role during the war:
Overview Activation: Originally activated in 1933 as part of the U.S. Army Air Corps. Primary Aircraft: B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator, and various medium bombers. Role: Heavy and medium bombardment missions. Theater of Operations: Primarily involved in the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater. World War II Service The 10th Bombardment Group was part of the Tenth Air Force, operating in the CBI Theater. Conducted strategic bombing, interdiction missions, and close air support. Targeted Japanese supply lines, airfields, bridges, and infrastructure in Burma, China, and India. Supported Merrill’s Marauders and other ground forces by attacking enemy positions and supply chains. Notable Campaigns Burma Campaign (1942–1945): Helped disrupt Japanese control over Burma by targeting transportation routes and military installations. Air Raids on Japanese Air Bases: Engaged in aerial attacks on enemy airfields to prevent Japanese air superiority. Support for the Allied Advance into Burma: Provided crucial air support for ground offensives.
Post-War Fate The group was inactivated in 1946 after the war ended. Some of its personnel and equipment were absorbed into other units during post-war restructuring.
Pilots of the 10th Bombardment Group in the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater during World War II would have worn various types of flight jackets, depending on the aircraft they operated, the mission profile, and the environmental conditions encountered. The primary flight jackets in use included:
1. A-2 Leather Flight Jacket The A-2 jacket was the standard issue for Army Air Forces pilots and aircrew. Constructed from horsehide or goatskin leather, it featured a front zipper closure, a snap-down collar, and knitted wool cuffs and waistband to insulate against cold air at high altitudes. Many pilots personalized their jackets with unit patches, painted insignia, or mission tallies. 2. B-3 Sheepskin Flight Jacket Due to the extreme cold experienced at high altitudes, particularly in heavy bombers such as the B-24 Liberator, pilots often wore the B-3 shearling jacket. This jacket was made of thick sheepskin with a fleece lining, providing excellent thermal insulation. It featured leather straps at the collar for additional warmth and a heavy-duty front zipper. 3. B-10 and B-15 Intermediate Flight Jackets The B-10 (introduced in 1943) was an olive-drab cloth jacket with an alpaca fur lining, serving as a lightweight alternative to the A-2. The B-15, which replaced the B-10 later in the war, featured a mouton fur collar, oxygen mask tabs, and a pencil slot on the sleeve, making it more functional for bomber crews. 4. CBI-Specific Variations Given the hot and humid conditions of the India and Burma theaters, pilots often modified their standard-issue gear. Lightweight cotton or canvas jackets were sometimes substituted in lower-altitude missions to prevent overheating. Many pilots adorned their jackets with the China-Burma-India Theater patch, often featuring the famous leather “blood chit” with Chinese characters requesting safe passage for downed airmen. Flight Suits and Additional Gear Over their jackets, bomber crews often wore F-1 or AN-6553 flight suits in colder conditions. Mae West life preservers and parachute harnesses were standard for pilots flying over open water or jungle regions. For extreme high-altitude missions, electrically heated suits were used in conjunction with flight jackets.
Key Features: Material & Style:
The jacket appears to be a B-10 or B-15 flight jacket, which were commonly worn in the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater. It has a cloth body with a leather collar, which was a feature of these intermediate flight jackets. The ribbed cuffs and waistband are typical of wartime flight jackets designed for warmth and comfort in unpressurized aircraft. Markings & Artwork:
The "10th Bombardment Group" is prominently painted on the back in a stylized wartime font. The pin-up girl artwork was a common customization by American airmen, inspired by nose art seen on bomber aircraft. The signpost illustration might reference different locations where the unit was stationed or targets they bombed. The text "DONATED BY NORTHERN GEAR AMERICAN RED CROSS CHINA 1941" suggests this was part of gear provided for aircrews, likely under Red Cross supply efforts for U.S. forces in China. CBI Theater Influence.
1. Potential Owner & Unit History The 10th Bombardment Group was originally part of the U.S. Army Air Forces and was active in early Pacific and India-China operations. While most of the 10th BG's combat focus was later in the CBI region, in 1941, American forces were just beginning to set up operations there. If this jacket belonged to an aircrew member in China at that time, they may have been involved in:
Flying early B-17 Flying Fortress and B-18 Bolo bombers in the Pacific or as part of U.S. aid to China against Japan. Logistical and training operations in support of the American Volunteer Group (AVG, "Flying Tigers") and early Chinese air forces. Bombing missions against Japanese targets in Burma or China, particularly targeting supply routes like the Burma Road. It’s possible that this jacket was worn by a bomber pilot or crew member stationed in China, particularly in early U.S. efforts before full-scale American involvement post-Pearl Harbor.
2. The Red Cross Connection The "DONATED BY NORTHERN GEAR AMERICAN RED CROSS CHINA 1941" marking is particularly interesting because:
The American Red Cross was heavily involved in supplying clothing, medical supplies, and comfort items to American airmen and support staff overseas. Northern Gear was likely a U.S. company contracted to produce military-style jackets for personnel stationed in harsh conditions. The CBI Theater’s climate ranged from extremely hot jungles to freezing high-altitude bomber flights. If this jacket was Red Cross issued, it may have been given to aircrew flying in less extreme conditions than what required B-3 shearling jackets. 3. Aircraft & Missions Associated with This Jacket Depending on who owned this jacket, they could have flown on one of the following aircraft types commonly used by the 10th Bombardment Group in 1941-42:
B-17 Flying Fortress (used early in the war in limited numbers in China) B-24 Liberator (eventually became a workhorse for bombing missions in the CBI) B-25 Mitchell (used extensively in low-altitude raids, possibly an early aircraft in China) C-47 Skytrain (if the wearer was part of supply missions over the Himalayas, known as “The Hump”) If this jacket belonged to a bomber crew member, it might have seen service in high-altitude bombing raids against Japanese bases in Burma or China.
4. Jacket Artwork & Nose Art Influence The pin-up girl illustration and signpost painted on the back are very characteristic of WWII bomber crew culture:
Pin-up art was frequently painted on flight jackets, bombers, and barracks as morale boosters. The signpost might represent the crew’s past missions or key locations they traveled through. The phrase “GOIN' MY WAY” (partially visible) suggests humor and personalization often found in bomber nose art. This customization was typically done by hand, sometimes by professional artists within air bases or even fellow crew members who had artistic skill.
5. How This Jacket Compares to Other WWII Flight Jackets Compared to standard issue jackets like the A-2 or B-3, this jacket is unique because:
It appears to be a custom or issued lightweight flight jacket, likely for moderate climates (CBI pilots often needed lighter gear than their European counterparts). The Red Cross involvement suggests it may have been privately issued rather than standard military gear. The hand-painted back indicates it was worn actively by a combat aircrew member. Conclusion: Who Might Have Worn This Jacket? Given its markings, artwork, and historical context, this jacket likely belonged to:
A pilot or aircrew member in the 10th Bombardment Group flying bombing or transport missions in China. Someone stationed in CBI early in the war (1941), before the U.S. fully entered the conflict after Pearl Harbor. A crewman who likely flew on B-17s, B-24s, or B-25s in bombing raids against Japanese supply lines, airfields, or infrastructure. If you can find additional markings inside the jacket (name, serial number, or squadron insignia), we might be able to trace it back to a specific pilot or mission!
Identifying specific pilots from the 10th Bombardment Group who served in China during 1941 is challenging due to limited publicly available records. The 10th Air Force, under which the 10th Bombardment Group operated, was officially activated in early 1942. However, elements of the 7th Bombardment Group, which later fell under the 10th Air Force, were active in the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater around late 1941. AAFINCBI.COM
One notable unit is the 11th Bombardment Squadron, part of the 7th Bombardment Group, which was among the first U.S. Army Air Force units to engage Japanese forces in China. AAFINCBI.COM
For detailed rosters or individual pilot names, consulting specialized archives or organizations dedicated to preserving World War II aviation history is recommended. The Army Air Corps Library and Museum maintains records related to the 10th Air Force's bombardment groups and may offer more comprehensive information. 10AF.ORG
Additionally, the Air Force Historical Research Agency houses extensive records on World War II units and personnel. Their archives could provide more detailed insights into the pilots who served in these units during that period.
Given the complexity and scope of World War II records, reaching out to these institutions or consulting published unit histories may yield more specific information about the pilots who served in China in 1941.
Vintage Jacket (1941)
Description
This vintage jacket, dated 1941, appears to be a WWII-era military garment with historical significance. The text on the back reads: “Donated by Northern Gear, American Red Cross, China 1941,” along with imagery and text related to the "10th Bombardment Group." The artwork is typical of bomber jackets from WWII, featuring hand-painted designs often used by servicemen to customize their gear with unit insignia, nose art, or morale-boosting imagery. The jacket has a leather collar and cotton or canvas body, consistent with materials used in military apparel during that period.
Historical Context
The 10th Bombardment Group was part of the U.S. Army Air Corps, and their operations included missions in China, where American forces were aiding Chinese allies against Japanese forces. The mention of the American Red Cross indicates this jacket might have been part of relief supplies donated to troops or used by American personnel stationed in China during the war. Such items were often adorned post-production with artwork that reflected the unit’s identity or personal flair.
Condition
The jacket appears to be in good condition for its age. The artwork on the back, while faded, remains discernible, which is crucial for collectors. There are no visible tears, significant stains, or signs of major structural damage. Some wear and patina are expected and add to its authenticity and character.
Value
Given its unique provenance, hand-painted artwork, and connection to the American Red Cross and WWII, this jacket has significant value to collectors of militaria and vintage clothing. Prices for similar jackets can vary widely based on condition, rarity, and historical significance.
If this jacket is confirmed to be authentic and directly tied to the 10th Bombardment Group, the value could increase, particularly to specialized collectors or museums.
Recommendation
To maximize its value:
Love this jacket and dug…
Love this jacket and dug deep from my files regarding it's history, decorated jackets like this one sell at a premium, some with presale estimated of 1500.00- $3000.00, I'd peg this one at $1800.00.
Here is some history for you:
The 10th Bombardment Group was a unit of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) during World War II. Here's an overview of its history and role during the war:
Overview
Activation: Originally activated in 1933 as part of the U.S. Army Air Corps.
Primary Aircraft: B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator, and various medium bombers.
Role: Heavy and medium bombardment missions.
Theater of Operations: Primarily involved in the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater.
World War II Service
The 10th Bombardment Group was part of the Tenth Air Force, operating in the CBI Theater.
Conducted strategic bombing, interdiction missions, and close air support.
Targeted Japanese supply lines, airfields, bridges, and infrastructure in Burma, China, and India.
Supported Merrill’s Marauders and other ground forces by attacking enemy positions and supply chains.
Notable Campaigns
Burma Campaign (1942–1945): Helped disrupt Japanese control over Burma by targeting transportation routes and military installations.
Air Raids on Japanese Air Bases: Engaged in aerial attacks on enemy airfields to prevent Japanese air superiority.
Support for the Allied Advance into Burma: Provided crucial air support for ground offensives.
Post-War Fate
The group was inactivated in 1946 after the war ended.
Some of its personnel and equipment were absorbed into other units during post-war restructuring.
Pilots of the 10th Bombardment Group in the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater during World War II would have worn various types of flight jackets, depending on the aircraft they operated, the mission profile, and the environmental conditions encountered. The primary flight jackets in use included:
1. A-2 Leather Flight Jacket
The A-2 jacket was the standard issue for Army Air Forces pilots and aircrew.
Constructed from horsehide or goatskin leather, it featured a front zipper closure, a snap-down collar, and knitted wool cuffs and waistband to insulate against cold air at high altitudes.
Many pilots personalized their jackets with unit patches, painted insignia, or mission tallies.
2. B-3 Sheepskin Flight Jacket
Due to the extreme cold experienced at high altitudes, particularly in heavy bombers such as the B-24 Liberator, pilots often wore the B-3 shearling jacket.
This jacket was made of thick sheepskin with a fleece lining, providing excellent thermal insulation.
It featured leather straps at the collar for additional warmth and a heavy-duty front zipper.
3. B-10 and B-15 Intermediate Flight Jackets
The B-10 (introduced in 1943) was an olive-drab cloth jacket with an alpaca fur lining, serving as a lightweight alternative to the A-2.
The B-15, which replaced the B-10 later in the war, featured a mouton fur collar, oxygen mask tabs, and a pencil slot on the sleeve, making it more functional for bomber crews.
4. CBI-Specific Variations
Given the hot and humid conditions of the India and Burma theaters, pilots often modified their standard-issue gear.
Lightweight cotton or canvas jackets were sometimes substituted in lower-altitude missions to prevent overheating.
Many pilots adorned their jackets with the China-Burma-India Theater patch, often featuring the famous leather “blood chit” with Chinese characters requesting safe passage for downed airmen.
Flight Suits and Additional Gear
Over their jackets, bomber crews often wore F-1 or AN-6553 flight suits in colder conditions.
Mae West life preservers and parachute harnesses were standard for pilots flying over open water or jungle regions.
For extreme high-altitude missions, electrically heated suits were used in conjunction with flight jackets.
Key Features:
Material & Style:
The jacket appears to be a B-10 or B-15 flight jacket, which were commonly worn in the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater.
It has a cloth body with a leather collar, which was a feature of these intermediate flight jackets.
The ribbed cuffs and waistband are typical of wartime flight jackets designed for warmth and comfort in unpressurized aircraft.
Markings & Artwork:
The "10th Bombardment Group" is prominently painted on the back in a stylized wartime font.
The pin-up girl artwork was a common customization by American airmen, inspired by nose art seen on bomber aircraft.
The signpost illustration might reference different locations where the unit was stationed or targets they bombed.
The text "DONATED BY NORTHERN GEAR AMERICAN RED CROSS CHINA 1941" suggests this was part of gear provided for aircrews, likely under Red Cross supply efforts for U.S. forces in China.
CBI Theater Influence.
1. Potential Owner & Unit History
The 10th Bombardment Group was originally part of the U.S. Army Air Forces and was active in early Pacific and India-China operations. While most of the 10th BG's combat focus was later in the CBI region, in 1941, American forces were just beginning to set up operations there. If this jacket belonged to an aircrew member in China at that time, they may have been involved in:
Flying early B-17 Flying Fortress and B-18 Bolo bombers in the Pacific or as part of U.S. aid to China against Japan.
Logistical and training operations in support of the American Volunteer Group (AVG, "Flying Tigers") and early Chinese air forces.
Bombing missions against Japanese targets in Burma or China, particularly targeting supply routes like the Burma Road.
It’s possible that this jacket was worn by a bomber pilot or crew member stationed in China, particularly in early U.S. efforts before full-scale American involvement post-Pearl Harbor.
2. The Red Cross Connection
The "DONATED BY NORTHERN GEAR AMERICAN RED CROSS CHINA 1941" marking is particularly interesting because:
The American Red Cross was heavily involved in supplying clothing, medical supplies, and comfort items to American airmen and support staff overseas.
Northern Gear was likely a U.S. company contracted to produce military-style jackets for personnel stationed in harsh conditions.
The CBI Theater’s climate ranged from extremely hot jungles to freezing high-altitude bomber flights. If this jacket was Red Cross issued, it may have been given to aircrew flying in less extreme conditions than what required B-3 shearling jackets.
3. Aircraft & Missions Associated with This Jacket
Depending on who owned this jacket, they could have flown on one of the following aircraft types commonly used by the 10th Bombardment Group in 1941-42:
B-17 Flying Fortress (used early in the war in limited numbers in China)
B-24 Liberator (eventually became a workhorse for bombing missions in the CBI)
B-25 Mitchell (used extensively in low-altitude raids, possibly an early aircraft in China)
C-47 Skytrain (if the wearer was part of supply missions over the Himalayas, known as “The Hump”)
If this jacket belonged to a bomber crew member, it might have seen service in high-altitude bombing raids against Japanese bases in Burma or China.
4. Jacket Artwork & Nose Art Influence
The pin-up girl illustration and signpost painted on the back are very characteristic of WWII bomber crew culture:
Pin-up art was frequently painted on flight jackets, bombers, and barracks as morale boosters.
The signpost might represent the crew’s past missions or key locations they traveled through.
The phrase “GOIN' MY WAY” (partially visible) suggests humor and personalization often found in bomber nose art.
This customization was typically done by hand, sometimes by professional artists within air bases or even fellow crew members who had artistic skill.
5. How This Jacket Compares to Other WWII Flight Jackets
Compared to standard issue jackets like the A-2 or B-3, this jacket is unique because:
It appears to be a custom or issued lightweight flight jacket, likely for moderate climates (CBI pilots often needed lighter gear than their European counterparts).
The Red Cross involvement suggests it may have been privately issued rather than standard military gear.
The hand-painted back indicates it was worn actively by a combat aircrew member.
Conclusion: Who Might Have Worn This Jacket?
Given its markings, artwork, and historical context, this jacket likely belonged to:
A pilot or aircrew member in the 10th Bombardment Group flying bombing or transport missions in China.
Someone stationed in CBI early in the war (1941), before the U.S. fully entered the conflict after Pearl Harbor.
A crewman who likely flew on B-17s, B-24s, or B-25s in bombing raids against Japanese supply lines, airfields, or infrastructure.
If you can find additional markings inside the jacket (name, serial number, or squadron insignia), we might be able to trace it back to a specific pilot or mission!
Identifying specific pilots from the 10th Bombardment Group who served in China during 1941 is challenging due to limited publicly available records. The 10th Air Force, under which the 10th Bombardment Group operated, was officially activated in early 1942. However, elements of the 7th Bombardment Group, which later fell under the 10th Air Force, were active in the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater around late 1941.
AAFINCBI.COM
One notable unit is the 11th Bombardment Squadron, part of the 7th Bombardment Group, which was among the first U.S. Army Air Force units to engage Japanese forces in China.
AAFINCBI.COM
For detailed rosters or individual pilot names, consulting specialized archives or organizations dedicated to preserving World War II aviation history is recommended. The Army Air Corps Library and Museum maintains records related to the 10th Air Force's bombardment groups and may offer more comprehensive information.
10AF.ORG
Additionally, the Air Force Historical Research Agency houses extensive records on World War II units and personnel. Their archives could provide more detailed insights into the pilots who served in these units during that period.
Given the complexity and scope of World War II records, reaching out to these institutions or consulting published unit histories may yield more specific information about the pilots who served in China in 1941.