The Art and Legacy of Painting World War II Bomber Jackets

The new immersive exhibition based on John Slemp's book, Bomber Boys – WWII Flight Jacket Art, is set to open on November 18 at the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach. This exhibition celebrates the artistry and history of the iconic bomber jackets from World War II, offering a unique opportunity to explore these historic artifacts in vivid detail.

Exploring the Bomber Jacket Legacy

The legendary Type A-2 flying jacket has become an enduring symbol of World War II. Commonly referred to as the bomber jacket, this garment was widely personalized by aircrews, each customization reflecting a personal story from the war. John Slemp's photography has extensively cataloged these stories, capturing both the jackets and their wearers in extraordinary detail. His exhibit, featuring larger-than-life images, will allow visitors to appreciate the intricate brush strokes and designs that adorned these wartime masterpieces.

The Exhibition Highlights

The exhibition will feature several real, customized jackets from the museum's own collection, including one worn by Staff Sergeant Laffetti "Pete" Trace, a B-17 gunner from the 748th Bomb Squadron, 457th Bomb Group. This jacket, marked with 34 of the 36 missions Trace is known to have flown, tells a poignant story of bravery and history.

The Must-Have Coffee Table Book

For those unable to visit the exhibition, Bomber Boys – WWII Flight Jacket Art is a 12" x 12", 398-page coffee table book that showcases over 100 A-2 jackets from all theaters of WWII. This award-winning book, with its over 50 five-star reviews, is an essential addition to any WWII enthusiast’s collection.