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Description
This is an original WWII U.S. Army Air Force Type A-2 leather flight jacket. It is identified to Lieutenant James G. Kotapish, O-810165. View the Veteran's Information section for more details regarding Lt. Kotapish's life and military service. Unfortunately, this jacket's manufacturer's and size label has since been removed but please refer to the Measurements section for more details. Stitched just above the wearer's left pocket is its original owner's leather name tag, reading "J.G. KOTAPISH". This is a unique placement for a name tag, as most often these are applied higher up on the chest. The original lining is marked several times with Kotapish's laundry number, "K-0165". Interestingly, we know that this was the jacket Kotapish wore following his officer's appointment, at which point his Army Service Number transitioned from 15130361 to O-810165. The last image is provided compliments of the American Air Museum and shows Lt. Kotapish in his flight equipment.
Provenance
Personal Collection of Chelius Carter
Condition Report
Fair
Good
Excellent
This jacket is in fair, well used condition. The leather horsehide generally remains pliable. The collar is well worn. There is a small split just beneath the collar on the jacket's reverse and another on one of the sleeves. The TALON zipper and knit cuffs have been replaced; however, the waistband is original. There are some tears around the collar's lining. We can see evidence of the pockets being repaired, as the subsequent stitching was done directly through the lining. There are a couple spots throughout where the original stitching has failed.
Measurements
Chest: 21.5 inches
Length: 24 inches
Sleeve: 26 inches
Veteran's Information
James George Kotapish was born on September 27, 1919, in Cleveland, Ohio. On May 19, 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in Cleveland, Ohio. He served as a Consolidated B-24 Liberator pilot in the 734th Bombardment Squadron, 453rd Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force, based at RAF Old Buckenham in England. Kotapish flew 31 missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with five battle stars, Good Conduct Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. Upon the completion of his mission quota, he accepted Lt. Col. Edward F. Hubbard's assignment to serve as manager of the 453rd Bombardment Group's officers' club. He survived the war and was honorably discharged in 1945 at the rank of first lieutenant (his entry in the American Air Museum erroneously lists his rank as "captain"). Kotapish died on March 22, 2013, at the age of 93 and is buried at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville, Ohio. Made available to the new owner below are Kotapish's enlistment records from the National Archives, Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal award cards, "Morning Reports" from the National Archives, entries in the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, the American Air Museum, and the WWII Memorial Registry, as well as his obituary and gravesite. At Gustafson's request, the National Archives is currently processing Kotapish's Official Military Personnel File, which will soon be made available below.
