JACKET - Type A-2 100th Bomb Group 'EZ GOIN'

Description

If there was ever a bomber group that epitomised the Eighth Air Forces strategic bombing campaign in Europe, it was the 100th Bombardment Group (H).

Earning the nickname ‘The Bloody Hundredth’  (because of their high losses), the group flew the famous Boeing B-17 heavy bomber aircraft out of USAAF Station 139, Thorpe Abbots in Norfolk England from June ’43 until the end of the war.

During that combat operations period, the group received two Presidential Unit Citations and the French Croix de Guerre with Palm for their outstanding efforts and bravery.

A résumé of their combat statistics:
First mission: June 25 1943
Total number of missions flown: 306
Total number of credited sorties: 8,630
Total bomb tonnage: 19,257
Missing Air Crew Reports: 184
Aircraft Lost or Salvaged: 229
Number of men killed or missing in action: 785
Number of men taken as POWs: 894
Last mission: April 20 1945


The 100th was made up of 4 squadrons, one of which was the 349th, and within that squadron flew a B-17 named ‘EZ  GOIN’.  This aircraft was piloted by Lt. Warren Marmorine. The Marmorine crew completed a tour of 33 missions, with Marmorine himself actually flying 35 in total. Throughout that tour one or two of the crew members were either killed or transferred and were replaced by others, but the majority of them survived and completed their tour.

The crew of this aircraft, like many crews, had a camaraderie for each other that was forged by their shared experiences in battle. Proud of their aircraft and efforts they would often paint the backs of their jackets with slogans and motifs, which usually included recording the number of missions they had survived by painting a bomb for each one. Several of the crew members from EZ GOIN’ - particularly the Sergeant Gunners - did just that.

Using images from an original jacket worn by one of the EZ GOIN’ crew, we have recreated the jacket using our newly developed veg-tanned Vintage War Horse® Horsehide and on the original maker A-2 contract as was worn by the crew member - CABLE RAINCOAT Co. This is the second edition of a CENTURY BOMBERS licensed product we now offer.
The character and handle of the leather is to die for as it exhibits all the craggy character that is so often seen on vintage originals. The closeup images in the photo gallery show you exactly the kind of character you can expect. The hand painted recreation of the artwork is meticulously done and is so authentic it’s virtually indistinguishable from the original, capturing the correct colours and muted tones that only originals have - there is only one way to describe it: Outstanding!
For further authenticity, the jacket comes fitted with an original dead stock wartime Talon M-42 zip.
Additionally, the garment is given a subtle TimeWorn™ finish to render a recreation of unparalleled authenticity. Due to the intense hand-finished nature of making such a product you can rest assured, by owning one of these, you will have something truly special as we are only able to produce a handful of these special pieces each year. It is essentially art-in-clothing, that one can wear as well as hang for display, and is a homage and maintenance of a memory to the incredibly brave airmen who put their lives on the line countless times so we may all have better lives today.
Visit the 100th Bomb Group Foundation at 100thbg.com for more in-depth information on this gallant unit.