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Nice period photos (all jackets except A-2's)
- Thread starter Kermit3D
- Start date
B-Man2
Well-Known Member
Of course ….. what else would they have called a 6’7” guy back in his dayJacob Earl "Shorty" Manch
6'7". His nickname says it all.
But here’s a question .,,,. How did he ever get into the air corp ?
I’m sure I read someplace that there was a height limit for pilots … something like 6’4” . Jimmy Stewart was one of the taller pilots of that period at 6’3”, so I’m wonder how ol Shorty got past the medical exam .
Chandler
Well-Known Member
Very good question. Probably dodged the right people at the right time? Slouched, and lied about his height?Of course ….. what else would they have called a 6’7” guy back in his day
But here’s a question .,,,. How did he ever get into the air corp ?
I’m sure I read someplace that there was a height limit for pilots … something like 6’4” . Jimmy Stewart was one of the taller pilots of that period at 6’3”, so I’m wonder how ol Shorty got past the medical exam .
I can't remember if there was any discussion about it in 30 Seconds.
mulceber
Moderator
This is just speculation, but maybe he entered the service with a résumé that made him too good to pass up for the air corps? If he already had a bunch of piloting experience, they could have just fudged that rule and taken him. It would also explain how he was picked as a candidate for the Doolittle raid.Very good question. Probably dodged the right people at the right time? Slouched, and lied about his height?
I can't remember if there was any discussion about it in 30 Seconds.
B-Man2
Well-Known Member
I’m thinking that the issue of his qualifications might not have been as much of a factor as the issue of him fitting inside of a cockpit. While he might have been ok in a bomber cockpit …. A fighter cockpit with its close confines and limited head room was probably the reason for the height restrictions
B-Man2
Well-Known Member
Interestingly I read his profile you posted and he was killed in 1958 while trying to bail out of a T-33 aircraft . Can’t help but wonder if his size wasn’t a factor of him not getting clear of his plane .Here's an interesting bio, but no real insight to his height being a help or hindrance.
Shanghai-Mayne
Well-Known Member
AAC officer:’ okay, mr. Earl ,if you’re able to get in the cockpit within 3 seconds…’
Mr Earl: ’ It’s done! Sir!’
Shanghai-Mayne
Well-Known Member
14AF SMSRet
Member
My father-in-law going through USN pilot training program during late 1942. I thought he was wearing an M-421A but this has slanted side pockets instead of the buttoned pockets at the bottom. Any idea on what it is?
Flightengineer
Well-Known Member
Soviet sergeant in a captured leather jacket from Kriegsmarine.The buttons were replaced with Soviet ones
Enigma1938
Well-Known Member
What's that jacket type?? Looks damn similar to german Kriegsmarine engineer jackets, the cut, the pocket, the collar....
Shanghai-Mayne
Well-Known Member
Yes, it’s captured from german navy, like what Dimitry said.
Chandler
Well-Known Member
Post #401 and #405.
Shanghai-Mayne
Well-Known Member
I
Enigma1938
Well-Known Member
Dumpster D
Well-Known Member
The guy on the top left wearing a B-2 cap knows he's got max level swag. Would you LOOK AT THOSE BOOTS!
Shanghai-Mayne
Well-Known Member
Not sure if that’s navy’s over boots. It looks like rubberized.
