Meet Jim Kunkle 401FS 370FG 9AAF A-2

[Brettafett]

www.platinumperformance.com/articles/dogfight-wwii-pilot.html

Then and now.
If Im not mistaken, that theres an Aero... The 'real deal'.

 

[Silver Surfer]

The skeleton hand holding the tipped glass is for the first squadron, group to have used a new thing then, called napalm.

 

[Chandler]

The story about his mother is priceless.

 

[Lord Flashheart]

Thanks for sharing Brett. Nice Citabria / Aeronca behind him if I'm not mistaken

 

[Tattoo A2]

Thats a great story, Its always better to hear it from the veteran's mouth. My favorite books are the ones that tell their own stories.

 

[saucerfiend]

What a great story for a Saturday morning. Thanks, Brett!

 

[B-Man2]

Very cool looking patch .
Has anyone seen any originals or repros of it? His jacket looks to be in too good of shape . Do you think it’s his original jacket or a repro ?

 

[Micawber]

September 16 1941? Someone has not proof read the article before publication.

 

[B-Man2]

September 16 1941? Someone has not proof read the article before publication.

Good catch Steve .

 

[Brettafett]

Very cool looking patch .
Has anyone seen any originals or repros of it? His jacket looks to be in too good of shape . Do you think it’s his original jacket or a repro ?

I recon its his original wartime jacket.
Definitely an Aero. Same patch/ name tag placement, whistle.... Seems his wife made him snap the collar down in the hanger photos

 

[Brettafett]

401st FS

 

[B-Man2]

I recon its his original wartime jacket.
Definitely an Aero. Same patch/ name tag placement, whistle.... Seems his wife made him snap the collar down in the hanger photos
View attachment 82931
View attachment 82932

I was asking because it looks in fabulous condition and the knits look new .

 

[Chandler]

I was asking because it looks in fabulous condition and the knits look new .View attachment 82935

Does the zipper look to be brass?

 

[B-Man2]

Does the zipper look to be brass?

It’s possible but this is the only photo that shows the zip but not clearly

 

[Chandler]

It’s possible but this is the only photo that shows the zip but not clearly View attachment 82936

You can make out the base in the hangar shot, but yeah -- who knows about lighting and clarity.

 

[Brettafett]

Yes, those knits look to be in pristine condition. Could be replacements.
Guess, theres no way to know for sure.