1063 WWII ARMY PAINTED A-2 FLIGHT JACKET OF LT. STEVE

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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2026 Sep 22 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 1,500.00 USD
Estimated at 3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
CHETNEKY WITH FLIGHT HELMET. This extraordinary A-2 flight jacket belonged to Lt. Steve James Chetneky during WWII when he was attached to 509th Fighter Squadron of the 339th Fighter group. He flew a P-51 Mustang named " HARD LUCK JR. " with his wife's name " IRENE " on the other side. He began his flight career during WWII as a B-17 co-pilot before moving to fighter aircraft. During WWII he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross as well as the Air Medal with 15 Oak Leaf clusters. After WWII he remained in the military and began flying the F-86 Saber. He was tragically killed in an F-86 crash in California on May 6, 1950. The A-2 flight jacket is a size 40 and was made by "AREO LEATHER CLO. CO. " of Beacon, New York. It was part of contract order number "42-18775-P as indicated by the label at the neck. There is an inked stamp in two places on the lining that reads " S. J. Chetneky 2nd Lt. O-699359 ". The zipper closure at the front has the correct "TALON" marks. The leather squadron patch on the front depicts a rabbit flying a carrot with a machine gun at the front of the carrot. In the right front flap pocket, a folded piece of WWII artwork was found depicting the same image as on the patch with instructions as to coloration of the patch. The back of the jacket shows one of the finest painted jacket embellishments we have ever encountered. From top to bottom the artwork includes the words " HARD LUCK " in yellow and red. Next are 2 bomber climbing through the clouds, presumably former planes flown in by Lt. Chetneky. Below the bomber are 30 red bombs likely indicating missions flown. Then the words " Hard Luck Jr. ", Lt. Chetneky's P-51 Fighter. Finally a well articulated and detailed painting of his P-51 with "Hard Luck Jr. " painted on the side. This flight jacket certainly ranks among the finest and historic examples we have had the pleasure of presenting at auction. Also included with the jacket is Lt. Chetnek's cotton khaki flight helmet with his name hand written above an ear hole. Finally the group boasts a nylon pouch, stamped with th same stamp as on the inside of the jacket. The pouch contains a silk map of France and another of the Iberian Peninsula. Also in the pouch, is a calling card that reads " Steve J. Chetneky Lieutenant, Air Corps Army of the United States ". CONDITION: the jacket shows light overall wear with some very minor flaking to the painted decoration. The cuffs and waist band show wear but now damage. The zipper still functions well. The flight helmet has losses to one of the ear phone holders. The pouch and maps show minor wear as does the calling card. A truly extraordinary piece of WWII American history. (02-27088/BF). $3000-5000.