United States Air Force
The United States Army Air Force of World War Two established itself as an important branch of the U.S. Military. In January of 1946, discussions were underway to establish an Air Force organization that encompassed several Commands under one independent branch. The Commands would include; Strategic Air Command, Air Defense Command, Tactical Air Command, Air Transport Command, Air Technical Services Command and Air Training Command. These recommendations were accepted through the National Security Act of 1947, which was signed by President Harry Truman and culminated in the formation of the United States Department of the Air Force. On September 18, 1947, pursuant to the National Security Act the United Air Force was established as an independent and equal element of the United State Armed Forces, equal in all respects to the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy.
The United States Air Force Uniform
Almost as soon as the U.S.A.F. was formed a search for a replacement of the U.S. Army uniforms used by the former U.S. Army Air Force began. The design of the earlier uniforms was deemed suitable and more then adequate for the new fledgling U.S. Air Force, though a change was needed. On November 3, 1947, at a special clothing manufacturers' conference sponsored by Air Force Secretary W. Stuart Symington, the service selected a standard blue wool serge suit in eighteen-ounce fabric (Uxbridge 1683, cable shade 84) which carried the Air Force seal on its buttons in oxidized silver and the Great Seal of the United States on its dress service cap. The New "Blue" uniform of the USAF received Presidential Approval in late 1947 with production patterns approved May 2, 1949 and contracts issued shortly thereafter.
U.S.A.F. Airman 1st Class, 1951
The classic Coat, Wool, Serge was popular during WW2 and was carried over into this design sporting a new USAF Blue 84 color.
U.S.A.F. Airman 1st Class, 1951
The Pattern date of May 8, 1949 and Contract date of March. 19, 1951 is clearly seen here.
U.S.A.F. Airman 1st Class, 1951
Jacket came from the estate of Lieutenant Edward Nobles, Air WAC Recruiting Office U.S.A.F.. Most likely a jacket he wore prior to becoming an Officer.
U.S.A.F. Airman 1st Class "Ike" Jacket
The trim fitting and classic Eisenhower jacket of WW2 is now a popular jacket of he United States Air Force
U.S.A.F. Airman 1st Class "Ike" Jacket
Very Early Contract date of October 28, 1949, with a Pattern Date of May 2, 1949
U.S.A.F. Airman 1st Class "Ike" Jacket
This jacket is from a Airman 1st Class, that is also sporting the cut-out, U.S. collar insignia.
U.S.A.F. Staff Sergeant, Far East Air Force
The Far East Air Force was one of the first U.S.A.F. Combat operations campaign overseas.
U.S.A.F. Staff Sergeant, Far East Air Force
The wearing of unit shoulder sleeve insignia was allowed for a brief time as an accommodation to former U.S. Army Air Force soldiers who took pride in their prior or current service. This practice stopped in the early 1960's through a "clean uniform policy".
U.S.A.F. Staff Sergeant, Far East Air Force
An early contract of June 9, 1950 following the Pattern established May 2, 1949.
U.S.A.F. Lieutenant Colonel
A very fine wool coat tailor made for Lieutenant Colonel Long, Master Navigator
U.S.A.F. Lieutenant Colonel
Custom Tailored Coat by Renoir Clothiers of Hong Kong produced in Bangkok Thailand
U.S.A.F. Lieutenant Colonel
Lt. Col. Long, Master navigator, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation, Air Force Outstanding Unit, Combat Readiness, Army Good Conduct, Armed Forces Reserve, Air Force Small Arms Expert Republic of Vietnam, ribbons.
U.S.A.F. Major
An issued officer's coat dated 1967
U.S.A.F. Major
U.S.A.F. Major with Non-Rated Officer Aircrew Wing, 1967 dated issued coat.
U.S.A.F. Major
Ribbons include, Meritorious Service, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation, Air Force Achievement, Air Force Outstanding Unit, Air Force Organizational Excellence, Combat Readiness, National Defense, Air Force Longevity Service
U.S.A.F. Mess Dress, Captain, Vietnam Era
U.S.A.F. Mess Dress, Captain, Vietnam Era
U.S.A.F. Mess Dress, Major
U.S.A.F. Mess Dress, Major
United States Air Force Flight Uniforms
Jacket, Flying, Heavy, Attached Hood Type N-2A
To provide a close fitting, heavy flying jacket the Type N-2 was developed.
Jacket, Flying, Heavy, Attached Hood Type N-2A
The undated specification tags of the era are commonly seen. This style was only made for two years 1950 to 1952
Jacket, Flying, Heavy, Attached Hood Type N-2A
The Blue outer shell on the N-2A was only produced for two years
Jacket, Aircrew, Heavy, Attached Hood Type N-3A
The need for a heavy well insulated jacket for aircrew now operating at very high altitudes brought the N-3 series. This popular jacket was produced for decades and version of it are still being used today
Jacket, Aircrew, Heavy, Attached Hood Type N-3A
The N-3A variant is a very rare and desirable jacket due to it low production time. Originals from 1950 to 1952 command very high prices as do all flight jackets produced during that time.
Jacket, Aircrew, Heavy, Attached Hood Type N-3A
The Blue nylon outer shell was only used on the N-3A variant for a very short time during 1950 to 1952
Jacket, Flying, Intermediate, Type B-15C
One of, if not the most attractive B-15 jacket variant ever produced. This jacket became incredibly popular with Aircrew dues to it trim lines and plush Royal Blue mouton collar. This style of jacket was worn by Marilyn Monroe during one of her trips to Korea to visit the troops
Jacket, Flying, Intermediate, Type B-15C
The Type B-15C is a very rare and expensive B-15 jacket variant due its short production run and limited numbers produced.
Jacket, Flying, Intermediate, Type B-15C
As with all USAF flight jackets of the 1950 to 1952 era they were all very limited production. Originals are very desirable on the collector market, to the point they are being re-produced currently
Jacket, Flying, Light Zone Type L-2A
In an effort to provide a light jacket for use in warmer climates the L-2 series of jackets filled the demand. The L-2 eventually was replaced by the MA-1 series of jackets.
Jacket, Flying, Light Zone Type L-2A
Original specimens of this L-2A variant are incredibly difficult to locate as most were turned in to be replace with later versions.
Jacket, Flying, Light Zone Type L-2A
The L-2A variant in Royal Blue nylon was a very limited production from 1950 to 1952.