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Historical Provenance:
This is an original WWII U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) Enlisted Man\'s Service Coat, definitively identified to Corporal Wesley L. Knapp (ASN: 16045516). Wesley Knapp was a native of Michigan and a veteran of the Pacific Theater. Most notably, he was a certified member of the Caterpillar Club—an exclusive organization for those who successfully bailed out of a disabled aircraft using a parachute to save their life. Following the war, he dedicated over 6,000 hours to the Kalamazoo Air Museum, cementing his legacy in aviation history.
- Laundry Number: The interior lining is marked \"K-5516\", matching the first letter of his surname and the last four digits of his Army Service Number.
- Name Tag: A period-correct leather name tag embossed with \"W. KNAPP\" is professionally sewn into the collar area.
- Insignia: The jacket features a high-quality USAAF shoulder sleeve insignia and Corporal chevrons on the sleeve.
- Size: Stamped 37R (37 Regular).
Condition Report:
- Fabric: The wool serge material remains structurally sound with a good \"hand\".
- Buttons: Features original brass \"Great Seal\" buttons. Please note visible verdigris (green oxidation) on several buttons, which is typical for items of this age.
- Wear: There are a few minor moth nips (small holes) characteristic of vintage wool, including one noted near the lower pocket.
- Details: All pockets and the internal lining are intact.
Suggested Listing Specifications
- Condition: Pre-owned / Vintage
- Branch: U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF)
- Conflict: WWII (1939-1945)
Seller\'s Note:
Named uniforms with verifiable \"Caterpillar Club\" history are increasingly rare. This piece offers a direct connection to a specific airman’s survival story and would make an excellent addition to any advanced USAAF or Pacific Theater collection.
Shipping: Ships from Kansas. All items are packed with care to preserve historical integrity.
