WWII Hand Painted Bomber Jacket

Pilots and Airmen believed in decorating their flight issue jackets with various themes. The number of missions one may have completed (or ongoing) was a common idea. Also the number of kills or anti-enemy propaganda was prevalent. Rarely do you see a simple message like the one above from our collection. Many cultures use elephant iconography for property and good fortune. Posing an elephant with its 'trunk up' is a sign wishing for good luck and protection. No cartoon bombs or political caricatures here - simply one wish to be held in good faith during perilous missions. In this context, this jacket is more than a warm coat. It's a very powerful and memorable piece of military history.