Give your A-2 flight jacket, USAAF uniform or display the finishing touch with a personalized WWII USAAF-style leather name tag.

During World War II, leather identification tags became a characteristic feature associated with personnel of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). They can be seen on original flight jackets, including the famous Type A-2, where a simple leather name strip provided personal identification and added individual character to the jacket.

Our name tags are made from brown leather and personalized with the name of your choice in black lettering. Their traditional appearance makes them ideal for reproduction A-2 jackets, USAAF displays, living history and re-enactment use.

The tag may simply carry the surname:

PENKALA

For a more traditional USAAF appearance, initials may also be placed before the surname where space permits, for example:

R.D. PENKALA

The examples deliberately retain the character of individually produced wartime-style name tags rather than having a perfectly modern computer-made appearance. Small differences in lettering, positioning and the natural surface of the leather help give each tag its own character.

Historical context

Leather name tags are closely associated with US Army Air Forces flight clothing of the Second World War. Surviving original USAAF flight jackets can be found with rectangular leather identification strips fitted to the left breast.

Depending on the individual airman, jackets could also carry squadron or group insignia, wings and personally applied artwork. As a result, many wartime flight jackets developed a distinctly individual appearance.

Original leather name tags also show that there was room for variation. Leather shade, lettering and method of application were not always completely identical, making these small personalized details an important part of the character of USAAF flight clothing.

Specifications

• Personalized USAAF-style leather name tag
• Inspired by WWII USAAF examples
• Name of your choice
• Black lettering
• Brown leather base
• Ideal for A-2 flight jackets
• Suitable for re-enactment, living history and display
• Each name tag is individually made with the name supplied
• Minor variations in leather and lettering may occur and are part of the character of the product
• Please check the spelling of your name carefully before completing your order

Material: leather
 

Choice of two versions

When ordering, you can choose between two different versions of our USAAF leather name tag. Both are inspired by the appearance of historic American leather identification tags, but the method used to apply the name is distinctly different.

1. Stencilled / Painted Leather Name Tag

With this version, the name is applied to the leather using a stencil and black paint.

This produces a slightly more rugged, practical and individually made appearance. Minor variations in lettering and paint finish may occur and are part of the character of this production method.

Features:

• Name stencilled onto the leather
• Black paint applied to the leather surface
• Flat lettering
• More rugged, handmade appearance
• Minor variations between individual tags may occur

2. Stamped & Painted WWII Leather Name Tag

With this version, the individual letters are stamped into the leather. The recessed lettering is then carefully filled with black paint.

This creates visible and tactile relief in the leather and gives the name tag a sharper and more detailed finish.

Features:

• Individual letters stamped into the leather
• Recessed lettering
• Lettering subsequently filled with black paint
• Clearly visible and tactile relief
• Sharper and more detailed finish

Please note: both versions are individually made using the name supplied by the customer. Because genuine leather and manual production methods are used, minor variations between individual name tags may occur.

Stenciled & Painted 
Narrow, sans-serif stencil letters applied flat to the leather. Gives a simpler, functional, and more field-made look.

Stamped & Painted 
Classic serif block letters, recessed into the leather and then painted black. Gives a traditional and clearly finished WWII look.