08 Mar Liberty Lady Bomber Jacket
Liberty Lady bomber jacket. Bill Allen, son of the Liberty lady bombardier, is on the island of Gotland, Sweden.
The leather A-2 bomber jackets that were so proudly worn during World War II had been the standard Air Corps flight jacket since 1931. The Army allowed the airmen to paint their jackets in much the same way as they decorated their bombers … with cartoon characters, naked women, or images of their planes. On the left breast pocket was an insignia that identified their bomb group or squadron.
In 1992, our Dad, Liberty Lady bombardier Herman F. Allen, gave his bomber jacket to my brother Bill. Years later, when ill showed it to me for the first time, we found a note inside one of the pockets. It read, “There are so many thoughts, so many memories, a little horror, a little sadness all entwined with this jacket. It is now yours to have and to hold as a centerfold for all our love. Herman”
A professional photographer who lives in Atlanta called me recently after I posted a photo of the jacket on the Facebook group, American Internees in WWII Sweden. (Join us if you have an interest!) John Slemp has a beautiful collection of bomber jacket photographs. He was recently featured in an Atlanta AJC newspaper article … be sure to check out the featured photographs in this article.
At John’s website, you can view more vintage flight jackets, and some are being modeled by their owners! John’s goal is to eventually publish a book that will celebrate not only the jackets but the men who wore them.
Liberty Lady bomber jacket front left pocket with the insignia for the 368th squadron of the 306th Bomb Group.
When my brother, sisters, and I went to Sweden in 2013, Bill wore Herman’s jacket. Everyone wanted to try it on.
The photograph below shows the Liberty Lady crew on March 6, 1944, immediately after they force-landed on the island of Gotland. Several of the men were wearing their flight jackets. My Dad is the dazed man on the far right, and he is not wearing his. Presumably, when the 306th at Thurleigh knew he was interned, presumably for the duration of the war, they sent his possessions home to his mother in Washington State.
The Liberty Lady crew moments after force-landing on Gotland.
Susan Jimison
Posted at 08:08h, 08 MarchWell done Pat! I love the history behind this family heirloom. The fact that your dad included a note is truly priceless. The jacket is a beauty. I am looking forward to Liberty Lady.
Sabrina Greene Fitzsimons
Posted at 19:16h, 12 NovemberPat, You have sincerely put tons of work and energy into perfecting the truth in your book, Liberty Lady. Charlie and I were honored and thrilled to have known your daddy and I was fortunate enough to have met your mom. You are a very blessed family and Kathy, Trevor & Family are all extremely dear to us and our grown kids. Today was such an honor and blessing to be with each of you at your book signing and cannot wait to share the books we bought with family and friends for Christmas!! No doubt… your parents are always shining over each of you. With lots of love and admiration for “a job well done”, Sabrina Greene-FitzSimons & Family:)