Jackets at the WWII Museum, New Orleans

[bombs away]

and the one in the Maguire book too!

Hi Andrew,

I've just made an edition of my post while you were answering.
Any idea about the patch ?
I don't have my Maguire's books close to me for the moment.

Cheers,
Tim

 

[kiltie]

I notice in the wartime picture, the left pocket flap is tucked into the pocket and the button is missing, whilst the button in the museum picture is clearly a replacement.

 

[Roughwear]

Tim, the patch is from the 23rd Fighter Group, 14th AF, not from the AVG, which fits in with this not being the jacket worn when Hill served in the AVG.

 

[TankBuster]

and the one in the Maguire book too!

Hi Andrew,

I've just made an edition of my post while you were answering.
Any idea about the patch ?
I don't have my Maguire's books close to me for the moment.

Cheers,
Tim

Hey Tim,

It appears the patch in the photo is different from the one currently on the jacket. The patch in the photo appears to be painted on leather. It may make sense as well since the multipiece leather 23rd FG patch that is on the jacket now was a later war patch that became the standard for 23rd FG guys. My guess would be he changed to the new version after the above photo.

As was mentioned, there is no doubt it is the same jacket due to the repair. I guess it goes to show there can be variances even when photographs come into play.