These leather shoulder rank insignia for the US Army Air Forces A-2 Flying Jacket are made in the rank of 1st Lieutenant and are an excellent detail for anyone looking to finish a flight jacket in a historically appropriate way. The rank insignia feature silver-colored embroidered bars mounted on a dark leather backing, matching the look and character of original WWII A-2 flight jackets.
These leather ranks were attached to the shoulder tabs of the A-2 jacket and clearly indicated the officer rank of the wearer. For USAAF impressions, details like these are especially important, as they help transform a general outfit into a much more convincing historical presentation. Suitable for collectors, re-enactors, display purposes, or as the finishing touch on a USAAF flight jacket restoration project.
Specifications
- Rank: 1st Lieutenant
- Use: for attachment to the shoulder tabs of an A-2 Flying Jacket
- Material: leather with silver-colored embroidered rank insignia
- Base color: dark leather
- Style: US Army Air Forces officer
- Period: Second World War
Subtle advice block
For a more complete USAAF impression, these leather shoulder ranks combine very well with an A-2 flight jacket, correct officer insignia, and other period aircrew details. Small finishing elements often give a jacket far more historical character.
Historische Context
During the Second World War, officers of the US Army Air Forces displayed their rank insignia in several ways depending on the uniform and its intended use. On leather flight jackets such as the famous A-2 Flying Jacket, leather-backed shoulder ranks were a fitting choice because they matched the material and appearance of the jacket more naturally than standard cloth or metal insignia. The rank of 1st Lieutenant was shown by a single silver bar on each shoulder. In period photographs of USAAF officers, details like these often add greatly to the distinctive and professional appearance of the flight jacket.
