1847

World War II USAAF Officer's Ike Jacket and Service Cap Attributed to Major General Claire Lee Chenn

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 7,000.00 USD
World War II USAAF Officer's Ike Jacket and Service Cap Attributed to Major General Claire Lee Chenn
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Estimate: $5000 - 7000
This World War II USAAF Major General Ike jacket is attributed to Claire Lee Chennault, commander of the famous Flying Tigers. Claire Chennault entered U.S. Army in 1917 and earned his pilot wings in 1920. Chennault served as the commander of the 19th Pursuit Squadron before becoming the Director of Flying at Brooks Field, Texas. After retiring from the Army Air Corps in 1937, Chennault traveled to China and became Chiang Kai-shek's chief air adviser and subsequently served as Director of a Chinese Air Force Flight School. In 1941, the U.S. began supporting the Nationalist Chinese Air Force under Lend-Lease. With approval from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Chennault recruited some 300 American pilots and ground crew for an international air force called the American Volunteer Group (AVG). Flying P-40 fighters painted with shark faces the AVG was nicknamed the Flying Tigers and became one of the most recognizable fighter squadrons of WWII. The AVG achieved tactical victories during a time when U.S. news reports were filled with stories of defeat. The AVG was credited with destroying nearly 300 enemy aircraft, while losing only 14 pilots. Chennault commanded the AVG until it were absorbed into the U.S. Army Air Force in July 1942 as part of the 14th Air Force. Chennault susequently went back on active duty with the USAAF and commanded the China Air Task Force from 1942-43, then as the commander of the 14th Air Force in China/ Burma/ India Theater from 1943-45. He retired in 1945 and became president of Civil Air Transports, predecessor of Air America, from 1946-50. Chennault died in 1958 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The inside of jacket the right breast pocket a laundry tag is ink stamped "CHENNAULT" and has the hand written number "49837" in black ink. Under the laundry tag is a maker tag with the number "3468275". Major General screw back stars are affixed to the jacket shoulder strap. The lapels have clutch back officer U.S. insignia. The left shoulder has an embroidered 14th Air Force patch. Over the left breast pocket is a single row of service ribbons and a pin back Command Pilot Wing. The Command Pilot Wing is marked "STERLING" on the back. The four service ribbons are the following: Distinguished Service Medal, Outstanding Unit Award with oak cluster, American Defense Medal and Legion of Merit (a painted middle white stripe has been added, reason unknown). The U.S. Army service cap is a size 7 and has a Flight Ace label. The sweat band is stamped "CLC" (Claire L. Chennault) in gold and ink stamped "M-837".
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Condition: The jacket is very fine with a small stitched repair on the back and limited moth damage. Service ribbons have been added. The visor is very good showing some minor wear and some scattered stains. This is an extremely rare jacket of the the leader of the famous Flying Tigers and Commander of the U.S. 4th Air Force in China during World War II.