Capt. James A. Horowitz, USAF, A-2 help request

[Wholenineyards]

Would anyone be able to identify the make and contract of this A-2? It is worn by Capt. James A. Horowitz aka the late James Salter, the man behind the novels The Hunters and Burning the Days. He was assigned to the 335th FIS of the 4th FG, a jacket I would maybe contemplate to recreate. He flew more the 100 combat sorties and was credited with an aerial destruction of a MiG-15. The film is great, but the book obviously goes a lot deeper. I did enjoy Burning the Days very much, too. The basic essence is, that while flying is great while you do it, one has accomplished nothing that remains upon landing except the longing for the next time to get airborne again.

 

[2BM2K]

The jacket appears to have a collar stand, the shape of the collar and pocket flap suggests to me that it is a Roughwear. Due to the colour I would plump for the 27752 contract.

 

[Brettafett]

Yes, I can see that.
The pocket flap appears akin to a Monarch or Perry also, but the collar does not commonly reflect those contracts.

 

[Smithy]

Can't help with the jacket but you should also get Salter's "Gods of Tin" which is a collection of all his writings about flying including a diary/journal he kept whilst in Korea - it also includes another photo of him in his A-2 before going to Korea with the 75th FIS at Presque Isle AFB in Maine.

He is one of my most favourite writers and I just love all his books. He also made the perfect martinis/gibsons and his recipe got me hooked, I love the things.

 

[Wholenineyards]

Thanks for all the input, a Roughwear it is. Gods of Tin, incoming. Again, thanks a lot, guys. These problem solving conversations are what makes VLJ truly worthwhile. Smithy, diverting from Navy port to the Ginnery Row, temporarily.

 

[Smithy]

Thanks for all the input, a Roughwear it is. Gods of Tin, incoming. Again, thanks a lot, guys. These problem solving conversations are what makes VLJ truly worthwhile. Smithy, diverting from Navy port to the Ginnery Row, temporarily.

I think you'll love "Gods of Tin", it's a really effective collection of his flying stuff. Obviously if you haven't read "Cassada" ("The Arm of Flesh") then that's a must too.

If you want his martini recipe let me know but I warn you that they are terribly addictive once you get a taste for them ;-)

 

[Wholenineyards]

Shoot it, please! I speed read Cassada, but that’s ages ago. Obviously there are interesting historical times with regards to flying but for some reason, I always end up going for the 50s. I love Oose’s Jetpilot Overseas website, as well as his Navy counterpart. So sad that he probably doesn’t have time anymore to keep it current, or has other interests. I understand. Great website nonetheless. Thanks, Smithy. How did you aquire “the recipe”?

 

[Smithy]

Shoot it, please! I speed read Cassada, but that’s ages ago. Obviously there are interesting historical times with regards to flying but for some reason, I always end up going for the 50s. I love Oose’s Jetpilot Overseas website, as well as his Navy counterpart. So sad that he probably doesn’t have time anymore to keep it current, or has other interests. I understand. Great website nonetheless. Thanks, Smithy. How did you aquire “the recipe”?

Nothing unusual, he released a sort of cookbook, bon vivant memoir a number of years back and it's in that. He had a martini (actually usually a gibson) everyday before dinner.

I'll whip it through to you in a PM!

 

[Wholenineyards]

Nothing unusual, he released a sort of cookbook, bon vivant memoir a number of years back and it's in that. He had a martini (actually usually a gibson) everyday before dinner.

I'll whip it through to you in a PM!

Smashing! Tx

 

[Smithy]

Smashing! Tx

If you're off to the grog shop pick up some Tanqueray and a bottle of Noilly Prat, you're going to need them!