My dad gave me his Bronco A2 he got in 1943, WW II, the day before my first day of high school in 1968. It had 4 $1.00 Silver Certificates in the inside pocket! (I still have them.) I wore the jacket regularly from 1968-1984, when it finally was too torn to wear. I was watching reruns of 12 O'clock High, and decided to get a new A2, so I got the Bronco remake from Five Star in 20i6. It's 99% the same as the 1943 model I had, without all the wear and tear. The label is the same. I use it as my main jacket, as often as I can. The goatskin has taken on a "patina" and a nice deep color with a bit of a shine on the areas of wear, but it is as even as new, maybe better. I only spent about $120 for it, and don't regret it at all. It reminds me of my dad.
Good stuff, it's very difficult interviewing people this old. You need to gently guide them but also let them talk. I wish the interview had focused more on flying, some missed opportunities. (For example, follow-up on what the instructor DID when he put the training plane in a flat spin, did he just tell Dino "OK, it's all yours!"? etc.). Ie Shima was where Ernie Pyle was killed in April of 45, sounds like Dino might have been there then, should have asked him about that. By the time he got to the Pacific, the Japanese AF had largely been destroyed.
I really like this guy and His interview. I commented positively on it and some mymoon must have had it taken off because I also said anyone who would make a a rude comment is a succhiatore di eiaculazione.
The pilots would try to get the largest size because this was the sack that held everything in. They made up to a size 52. The zippers were a discontinued herringbone design hence WPGs are open pockets.
Would've been helpful if you included some fit footage. I know a couple of guys that ordered from them. Even after fit consultation prior to making of the jacket, they still had to reorder. No doubt attractive looking and priced, but if its not going to fit properly its not worth it.
I found several P-51s parked on the grass at Hancock Field, Syracuse, NY in 1960. Completely unsecured. I was able to climb into one and worked the canopy closed ...Dad took my photo sitting in cockpit. I was amazed at the depth of the seat without a cushion or parachute, lol. I think these were retired planes from Air Nat'l Guard.
OK Just jumping in here..............................PLEASE respect the Greatest Generation! My Father Alexander Bujak a D-Day pus 3 Combat Engineer. A LITE platoon bridge specialist! UP the American POLISH and the Irish american born that STEP UP and SERVE! Barbara
This man is a legend and a hero Lot of blood had to be spilled for us to be free yet we are so dumb and brainwashed that we are allowing the Democratic Crime Party ruin this country and throw it all away!
I’ve started putting together gear to re-enact a 1942 Cactus Air Force USMC aviator that I plan to use conducting tours at the National Warplane Museum in Geneseo NY. thanks for sharing your gear and your idea!
I remember talking to a pilot who was training at Randolph field, he said the would use handkerchiefs to tie around their leg to keep whatever was in the lower pocket from falling out. He said he did it due to his wallet falling out lol
Show us the jacket after a year of wear. It's a beautiful jacket no doubt. I've got two A-2's. One in steer all black, black knits, had for over 20 years and other in mahogany horse hide about two years old. Love them both..
