WWII USAAF Type B-10 Jacket 615th Bomb Sq - 401st Bomb Group "MRS. ALDAFLAK"

Description: Gentlemen, Offered here is this one-of-a-kind painted B-10 jacket from the famed 401st Bomb group that served in the European Theater during WWII. The B-10 has become highly coveted among collectors due to its scarcity; after all, they were produced for only one year. This exceptional example belonged to L.J. Luckenbach and shows 32 missions, along with the nose art from the B-17 bomber "Mrs. Aldaflak," painted on the back. In a fine play on words, "Mrs. Aldaflak" (misses all the flak) was the nickname chosen for their B-17 by a crew in the 615th Bomb Squadron, 401st Bomb Group. This unit operated chiefly against strategic targets, bombing industries, submarine facilities, shipyards, missile sites, marshalling yards, and airfields. In addition to strategic missions, squadron operations included attacks on transportation, airfields, and fortifications prior to Operation Overlord, the Normandy invasion. On D-Day, they attacked Normandy beachhead areas, dropping bombs five minutes before troops landed. During the Battle of the Bulge, the unit attacked transportation and communications in the battle area. It supported airborne forces involved in Operation Varsity, the airborne assault across the Rhine in March 1945. The unit flew its last combat mission on 20 April 1945, against Brandenburg. "Mrs. Aldaflak" was ironically force-landed in Belgium after being hit by flak on Nov. 21, 1944, but was repaired and returned to service. This jacket is in amazing condition, considering it is 80 years old. All parts are original to the jacket. Knits are in great shape with only some small holes, that are common due to the nature of the material. Conmar zipper is working perfectly, mouton fur collar has developed an amazing rusted shade. Finding B-10s in any condition is really hard nowadays, let alone finding one painted with provenance in this grade of conservation. This example would be a great addition to any WWII display. MEASUREMENTS Pit to pit: 23 Sleeve: 25 1/2 Shoulders: 19 Back length: 25 Let me know if you have any questions. All sales are final. IF YOU ENJOY FLIGHT JACKETS, MAKE SURE TO CHECK US ON INSTAGRAM: TRADEAJACKET (Over 700 jackets in my collection and posting every week)

Price: 7650 USD

Location: Bradenton, Florida

End Time: 2025-02-03T11:59:13.000Z

Shipping Cost: 210 USD