Adm. Halsey's M-445A Flight Jacket

[tda003]

I just ran across this picture of Admiral Halsey's M-445A flight jackets. He is photographed in more than one type flight jacket including what appears to be an M-422A. However the photos of this clearly state on the label that it is an M-445A made by M.L.B. Corp. of NY. If not for the label, I would have thought it to be an M-444 as there are no buttons and it has a full length zipper. Its provenance is established, so there's no mistake.

Any thoughts?

Wwii M 445a Flight Jacket Worn By Admiral William

Fleece lined flight jacket made by H.L.B.Corp. N.Y. Sewn to the upper left breast is a gold embossed leather name tag w

www.liveauctioneers.com

Sorry. Can't seem to get to attach as a photos. Look at auction details.

 

[tda003]

Someone please chime in. Are there versions in design of the M-445A?

 

[mulceber]

Men Aviator US Navy M-445A Sheepskin Leather Flight Jacket

JACKETS, WINTER, HEAVY, Bu AERO- U.S. NAVY, SPECIFICATION M-445 A, Made from Real and High Quality Sheepskin Leather. It features button closures at the front pockets and middle waist, carries leather strap and brass buckle side adjusters, HAVE REPRO talon zipper FASTENING, A nice REPRODUCTION...

www.fivestarleather.us

 

[tda003]

Saw the 5*. Thinking about asking Shawn if he can put a full zipper front on his M-445A, shorten the collar width by about 1" and use 1/4" fleece exclusive of the (modified) collar. Halsey's had the added, horse or goat skin I suspect thatHLB used in their M-445A jackets (similar to the Buzz Rickson repro, but I'm not too concerned about that. Nice touch, but I'm not likely to be wearing it enough for it to matter. Regardless, I won't give myself high flag rank anyway .