bombs away
Member
Hello,
Here is one of my last purchase.
As you can see the jacket has seen action !
I suppose there was a swastika painted in the "sun" over the pocket as the bombs of the B-24 are falling in its direction.
There is a nice story starting with this jacket.
I've bought it a few weeks ago on ebay. No identification unfortunately, just 2 markings : 576th BS and the last four digits of the Army Serial Number of the owner and his initial : K-5029
My luck : the 392nd BG site is very well documented.
I started my researches but a friend of mine has been faster.
He has found the picture of this crew :
And the name of Eugene A Kracker, ASN 35925029, from Massillon Ohio (gunner, 3rd from the left, kneeling).
Was it the same jacket worn on this picture ?
So it was a very good path to follow...
After more researches I've sent an email to someone named Tom Kracker, he wrote an article on the internet about a man named Ralph Kracker, crewmember from the 458th BG, from Massillon Ohio too.
Tom answered me the day after my message and said he was the nephew of Eugene Kracker, he had no news from his uncle for many years, but thought he was still alive. He confirmed Eugene was from the 576th BS.
He has even called him and Eugene who was happy to speak with him and he gave him the description of his A-2 jacket he has given back to the army when leaving. He has described "my" jacket ! :mrgreen:
I've written a letter to Eugen Kracker as he isn't connected to the internet. I've sent the letter this week and I'm unpatient to read his answer. Tom told me that Eugene would be very happy to discuss with me.
Nice story isn't it ?
Tim
Here is one of my last purchase.
As you can see the jacket has seen action !
I suppose there was a swastika painted in the "sun" over the pocket as the bombs of the B-24 are falling in its direction.
There is a nice story starting with this jacket.
I've bought it a few weeks ago on ebay. No identification unfortunately, just 2 markings : 576th BS and the last four digits of the Army Serial Number of the owner and his initial : K-5029
My luck : the 392nd BG site is very well documented.
I started my researches but a friend of mine has been faster.
He has found the picture of this crew :
And the name of Eugene A Kracker, ASN 35925029, from Massillon Ohio (gunner, 3rd from the left, kneeling).
Was it the same jacket worn on this picture ?
So it was a very good path to follow...
After more researches I've sent an email to someone named Tom Kracker, he wrote an article on the internet about a man named Ralph Kracker, crewmember from the 458th BG, from Massillon Ohio too.
Tom answered me the day after my message and said he was the nephew of Eugene Kracker, he had no news from his uncle for many years, but thought he was still alive. He confirmed Eugene was from the 576th BS.
He has even called him and Eugene who was happy to speak with him and he gave him the description of his A-2 jacket he has given back to the army when leaving. He has described "my" jacket ! :mrgreen:
I've written a letter to Eugen Kracker as he isn't connected to the internet. I've sent the letter this week and I'm unpatient to read his answer. Tom told me that Eugene would be very happy to discuss with me.
Nice story isn't it ?
Tim
