Maj George E Preddy’s Mount and A-2 !!!

A few shots of CRIPES A MIGHTY THIRD sitting on the field at Bodney and him wearing his A-2 with a fighting Donald Duck cartoon on his A-2 . I believe this was Maj Preddy meeting the press after his ” 6 In A day ” mission …. where he shot down SIX Me-109’s on August 6th 1944 !!!

BlueNoser352!!!!!!!!!!!!

Col Robert Morgan & his new A-2

I went to a Mighty Eighty Georgia state chapter meeting years ago in Atlanta and it was full of veterans some wearing newly painted A-2’s like they had in WW II or real ones ( yes some men could actually get in theirs) Here is Col Robert Morgan of Memphis Belle fame wearing a new one…. Morgan was one prince of man .very humble and always praised all his fellow pilots and ground crews members . He really loved the UK and had very high praise of its people and military . He called it “team work ” that won the war….

Here I took a photo of him talking to a fellow 91st BG gunner….. It was a very sad day when he passed away. He lived not far from me and knew him for years…. One heck of a man & combat leader.

BlueNoser352!

Thanks Danjama ..me to !

Yes indeed…being a long time student of the air war in WW II and in particular …this form of art seen and used in WW II on flying jackets and the sides of aircraft really caught my eye as a youth. Growing up here in the USA and being a long time member of The Mighty Eighth Historical Society I have seen many real A-2 and B-3 jackets at various veterans reunions over the years. Now days these real ones are priced out of this world as one can see on EBAY from time to time. I just like to collect photos of them ..as I did with a visit to the pilot of The Mary Alice in the 1990’s…. it just kills me when I run down a pilot and they say …something like…” well I just worn mine out after the war or my wife finally pitched mine out because it was worn out….. some vets I know …removed the art work and had to wear them to work or college as many returning vets did on the GI Bill.

I tracked down the crew ..well most of them of The Diabloical Angel from the 401st… this jacket was painted for about 5 pounds the waist gunner told me…as both waist gunners had this art work on their jacket. They did not wear them in combat he told me. After the war he gave this to his younger brother who went into the US Navy during the Korean War and never saw it again …………… UGH !!!!!!!!!!!! I have another one here from another family member who’s father was on this particular B-17 crew ! Its only had the patch of the angel on the front and not the back ……… My all time favorite 8th AF A-2……….. great artwork ..the artist had some real talent !

Much thanks danjama I share your interest and passion for this topic !!!
Hope we see a flood of photos here from fellow members…come on troops know you guys & gals have all those great looking A-2’s I seen at Duxford over the years ……….show them off here …………… Eastman jackets ove there as well…………………lets seem ’em………. Almost better than seeing a fine looking PAGE THREE Lady………….. notice I said ALMOST!!!!!

BlueNoser352

Mary Alice Nose Art & A-2 at Duxford !

This fine jacket is on display at Duxford ! My Mary Alice A-2

Opps a late night typo

Dogtail :

Yes caught me there ..my bad..but you get the drift !!!! One outstanding fighter pilot and fighter group !

Thanks

BlueNoser352!!!!