U. S. Army 1942 Tanker Jacket

Flight Journal, Oct 2004

The stylish good looks, comfort, practicality and warmth of the Tanker Jacket made it a favorite among U. S. troops during WW II. Officially designated for the armored forces, infantry officers and USAAF fighter pilots also commonly wore these. Cartoonist Bill Mauldin's famous Willie and Joe characters, outfitted with patched-up, battle-torn Tanker Jackets, typified the war-weary infantryman in Italy.

From the Conmar Conmatic zipper and all-cotton outer shell to the melton wool lining, our modern-day Tanker Jackets are re-created to precisely match those cherished wartime examples. History Preservation Associates; (856) 489-8103; www.historypreservation.com; $325.