ARTIFACTS:
This is a museum quality Flight Jacket, accompanied by wings, medals, books, and papers, of Sergeant Victor H. Recht Jr., Waist Gunner of the 422nd Bomb Squadron, 395th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force B-17G “STAG PARTY”, 43-37837 JJ-K.
The jacket is a classic Roughwear A-2, Contract No. W535 AC-27752 in a roomy size 40. The horsehide is in an excellent state of preservation. There are some light scuffs and wear, but overall the leather is above average.
The front of the jacket looks to have had some modification during the war, as at one time there was a circular patch on each chest. Now there is only the great painted canvas 305th BG Patch on the left chest. It is possible Recht had training patches on his jacket originally, and then replaced them when he went into the Theater of Operations. The name tape “VIC. RECHT” appears to be the only one the jacket has ever had. At one time it appears Recht had some cloth gunner wings on the jacket as well, above his name tape.
The back of the jacket has the Nose Art of the B-17 “STAG PARTY” in an excellent state of preservation. Apparently the yellow used on the mission bombs and the large bomb the Queen of the Stag Party is riding did not adhere well to the jacket, and only remnants of these are visible, but, thankfully the yellow used in the bold title “Stag Party” at top was of a better quality. A great classic pin-up art jacket of a famous 8th AF B-17.
The original cuffs and waistband have the usual pulls or nips here and there, but nothing too bad except for a more noticeable hole/pull on the left cuff. On first glance the zipper appears to be original, but the right side (as worn) has some extra thread and holes about midway down. This looks as though it could be from a period repair, or even some mis-sewing at the factory. The lining of the jacket is in excellent shape, with only the usual wear at the collar, and a letting go of the seam at top center of wearer's right. Minor sweat staining at bottom center and light body odor present.
Accompanying the jacket are Sergeant Recht’s cased Air Medal and Bronze Star, and a ribbon bar for uniform wear. Also included are an early WWII embroidered Air Crew wing on O/D Gabardine Wool, and 2 USAAF Air Gunner Wings. The first, most likely the wing he was awarded upon completion of AAF Gunnery School in Kingman, AZ, is missing the locking catch, which most likely led toe Recht’s acquisition of the 2nd Clutch-back Gunner wing included in the group. Both wings are in Sterling Silver.
There is also a small amount of large format period photos (Victor is on the right in the first photo below), some papers, including a great “Diploma” from Kingman Army Airfield Gunnery School. There are also some 305th BG Association Newsletters, patches, decals, etc. There is a nice 2002 Roster of Association Members with full addresses.
Last but not least is a great collection of books on the 8th AF, the 305th BG, and even an autobiography of one of Recht’s crewmates, which goes into great detail of many of STAG PARTY’s 35 Combat Missions that Recht was on.
The books are as follows:
“The 305th Bomb Group in Action, An Anthology” by John V. Craven (editor). Shown with the photos below is Recht's handwritten mission list.
“The Brotherhood of Courage, The History of the 305th Bomb Group (H) in World War II” by Walter W. Thom. Inscribed by Author to “a fellow Crew member”, Autographed by Aviation legend and early 305th BG Commander General Curtis E. LeMay, and possibly by later Commander Colonel H. G. MacDonald.
“’John Burn One-Zero-Five…’ The Story of Chelveston Airfield and the 305th Bomb Group in Pictures” by William Donald.
Inscribed by author with lengthy presentation to Recht. Great pics of the aircraft and crew.
“Reflections of a P. K. (Preacher’s Kid) During the 20th Century” by L. Glenn Simms. Inscribed by Author to Recht with lengthy presentation. Simms was a crew member on STAG PARTY and there are many pages relating to the crews 35 missions on board.
“The Mighty Eighth” by Roger A. Freeman.
VINTAGE:
Circa World War II.
SIZE:
Sterling wings: approximately 1” in height by 2-15/16” in width (each); jacket (size 40): approximately 20-1/2” from armpit to armpit; 24-1/2” length from collar to hem (on reverse); 24” from shoulder seam to cuff; 18” between shoulders.<.
CONSTRUCTION/MATERIALS:
Jacket: horsehide leather; 305th BG patch: painted canvas; wings: sterling silver; Air Crew wing: embroidered gabardine wool; medals: bronze, silk; photos, paperwork, decals, embroidered patches.
ATTACHMENTS:
Jacket: zipper; sterling wing (pin-back): missing locking catch; other sterling wing: clutch backs.
MARKINGS:
Label inside jacket, faded No. tag under pocket.
ITEM NOTES:
The price of the grouping as listed includes extra for DOMESTIC Insured Express shipping of the entire grouping, so just choose the regular Over $400.00 to purchase the grouping. The books can be removed from the grouping if one wishes, for a reduction in price of $550.00 (including shipping costs). Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. This is from a WWII USAAF A-2 grouping collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. CON-SDW-20-14 LEAJJX6/14 RET-2/15 (SDEJJX)
CONDITION:
7+ (Overall Very Fine): Varies, but overall Very Fine. See description paragraph above for details on condition of jacket.
GUARANTEE:
As with all my items, these pieces are guaranteed original.
