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Coats & Jackets
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On this page:
Cockpit® Flying Tigers Goatskin A-2 | Flying Tigers G-1 AVG Blood Chit | Embroidered AVG Blood Chit Flying Tigers Leather Patches | AVG Leather Squadron Patches Flying Tiger Patches | The Dick Rossi Story | Flying Tigers Association
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The Cockpit® Flying Tigers Goatskin A-2
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The American Volunteer Group (AVG), or "Flying Tigers" as they became known as, were volunteer pilots from all branches of the US military who fought for China as "civilians." The group was formed prior to America's involvement in WWII and were brilliantly led by Claire Chennault (who was eventually promoted to the rank of General and commander of the 14th AF). The exploits & successes of the Flying Tigers, usually against superior numbers, became legendary.
This outstanding A-2 is a tribute to the this elite group of aviators. Features include a supple medium brown goatskin shell, snap-down collar with collar stand (a feature found on earlier A-2s), box-stitched epaulets, two front cargo pockets (with authentic WWII-era pocket flaps), two interior pockets, nickel throat latch, brass zipper under wind flap, one-piece back, 100% cotton lining (with fully embroidered American Volunteer Group "banner" sewn onto the lining), and a WWII-style leather hanging strap (box-stitched on the back). The front of the jacket features a multi-piece leather Hell's Angel (3rd Pursuit Squadron) patch, the left sleeve features a 14th AF bullion patch, and the back of the jacket features a leather "blood chit" with multi-piece US flag and China-Burma-India insignia. A truly authentic jacket! Made in the USA.
Note: this jacket is made to vintage military sizing specs, so the fit is snug. For an authentic fit, order your regular size; for a more "normal" & comfortable fit, order one size larger.
Fit: Military (click for info)
Please allow an additional 7-10 business days for shipment.
Free Gift with purchase of this item!
How to figure your Size!
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AVG Flying Tiger Goatskin G-1
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The AVG Flying Tigers were comprised of active-duty Army, Navy and Marine Corps pilots who volunteered to fight for China as civilians. As civilians, they were not issued US Military uniforms or flight jackets and were outfitted with G-1-type jackets and khakis by the Chinese government. Although the originally issued jackets were the predecessors of the G-1, our current-issue US Navy G-1 is very close. After the AVG was absorbed into the AAF, A-2 jackets were also worn but the G-1-style was the original Flying Tiger's jacket.
Our US Wings Signature Series G-1 is proudly made in the USA according to US Navy specifications. Features include: goatskin shell, poly-twill lining, genuine mouton fur collar, bi-swing back and underarm gussets for freedom of movement, button-thru patch pockets (with hidden pen pocket under left pocket flap), inside map pocket, brass zipper, knit cuffs and waistband, and inside storm flap with USN perforation.
Our Flying Tigers G-1 features four authentic leather patches: a leather AVG patch on the right chest, a multi-piece leather CBI (China-Burma-India) patch on the left sleeve, and a multi-piece leather blood chit on the back come standard on all jackets. You then choose a leather AVG squadron patch for the left chest (see below; click image to see a more detailed pic): Adam & Eve (1st Pursuit Squadron, shown at left), Panda Bears (2nd Pursuit Squadron) or Hell's Angels (3rd Pursuit Squadron).
Availability: some sizes are temporarily out of stock. You may pre-order your jacket now and we'll ship it as soon as it becomes available.
Fit: Normal (click for info)
Spec Chart (Reg): (click for specs)
Spec Chart (Long): (click for specs)
Now you can own a US Wings Flying Tigers G-1 similar to the one created for AVG fighter ace Dick Rossi, which can now be seen at the Flying Tigers Museum in Zhijiang, China (read about it here). Available in sizes 34-54 Regular and 40-54 Long. Made in the USA.
This is a special-order item. All sales are final. No returns or exchanges. Please be sure of your size before ordering. If you have sizing questions, please email us. Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery.
Free Gift with purchase of this item!
How to figure your Size!
Free Gift with purchase of this item!
How to figure your Size!
Free Gift with purchase of this item!
How to figure your Size!
Free Gift with purchase of this item!
How to figure your Size!
Free Gift with purchase of this item!
How to figure your Size!
Free Gift with purchase of this item!
How to figure your Size!
Free Gift with purchase of this item!
How to figure your Size!
Free Gift with purchase of this item!
How to figure your Size!
Free Gift with purchase of this item!
How to figure your Size!
Free Gift with purchase of this item!
How to figure your Size!
Free Gift with purchase of this item!
How to figure your Size!
Free Gift with purchase of this item!
How to figure your Size!
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Flying Tigers Blood Chit
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The concept of the blood chit originated in China during the early days of World War II. It was created by members of General Chennault's American Volunteer Group the Flying Tigers.
The famed pilots wore Chinese and American flags, and a message in Chinese characters. The translated message said that they were American airmen fighting the Japanese invaders of China; they had met misfortune and needed help in evading the Japanese and assistance in returning to their home base.
Our Flying Tigers Blood Chits are stenciled on silk, just like the originals. This silk patch is suitable for framing or attaching to the inside of your favorite flight jacket (the silk version was meant to be attached to the jacket's lining, as it is not weather-proof). These high-quality blood chits are a part of American history, and a must-own for all collectors and aviation enthusiasts! They also make the perfect gift, as well as a truly authentic addition to any A-2 or G-1 leather flight jacket! Measures 9.5" x 13"
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Embroidered AVG Blood Chit
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We also offer a more durable AVG Flying Tigers blood chit. These blood chits are not silkscreened, but are direct embroidered onto either silk or leather, and are ideal for sewing onto the back of your favorite flight jacket. Available in two sizes: the large chit measures approx. 9.75" x 13.75" in size, while the small chit measures 8" x 9.75" in size.
Availability: the Small Embroidered Silk Bloodchit (#EBCSS) is temporarily out of stock. However, you may place your order now and we'll ship it as soon as it becomes available.
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Flying Tigers Leather Patches
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CBI Leather Patch:
The leather CBI patch includes red, white, and blue goatskin with a russet brown calfskin border. All pieces are precision stitched by craftsmen, including the point of the American star and rays of the Chinese sun. 2.875" x 3.875" in size.
23rd FG Leather Patch
The leather 23rd Fighter Group patch is made from five different hand-cut and sewn leather pieces with a dark blue cowhide suede background. The tiger is painted on naked cowhide, the lightning bolt and the tiger's wings are goatskin, and the border is a gold finished goatskin. All pieces are hand cut, trimmed, sanded, and sewn. 5.75" X 4.625" in size.
Free Gift with purchase of this item!
Leather Blood Chit:
The leather AVG blood chit is made from four pieces of leather, each cut and sewn by hand. The Nationalist Chinese flag at the top of the chit is made from red, white and blue goatskin and the Chinese lettering is painted on white goatskin. The lettering states: "This foreign person has come to China to help in the war effort. Soldiers and civilians, one and all, should rescue, protect, and provide him medical care." 7.75" x 11" in size.
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AVG Leather Squadron Patches
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1st Pursuit Squadron:
This leather Adam & Eve (1st Pursuit Squadron) AVG patch measures 5" in diameter.
2nd Pursuit Squadron:
This leather Panda Bears (2nd Pursuit Squadron) AVG patch measures 4" x 5.5" in size.
3rd Pursuit Squadron:
This leather Hell's Angels (3rd Pursuit Squadron) AVG patch measures 6" x 4" in size.
AVG Patch:
This leather patch features the Flying Tiger's insignia of a winged tiger flying through a large "V" (for "Victory"). It measures 5" in diameter.
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Flying Tigers Patches
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These high quality embroidered patches will look great on any flight jacket! CBI patch measures approx. 2.5" x 3". 14th AF patch measures 2.75". Order both and pay one S&H fee, or order with another item (other than patches) for free S&H (shopping cart will show S&H charge for each patch, but S&H fee will be adjusted on-site).
China-Burma-India Patch
14th Air Force Patch
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John Richard "Dick" Rossi Flight Leader, AVG Flying Tigers
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The Dick Rossi Story Read about Flight Leader John Richard Rossi of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) Flying Tigers. "Dick" Rossi served as president of the AVG Flying Tigers Association for fifty years and is one of the founders of the Flying Tigers Line, a major freight carrier.
Dick Rossi/Zhujiang Museum
Dick Rossi recently donated his G-1 Jacket with squadron patches and blood chit to the Flying Tiger's Museum in Zhujiang China. The jacket was a reproduction of his original jacket, custom-made for him by US Wings. Read about it here.
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The Flying Tigers Association
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The Flying Tigers Association (FTA) is a nonprofit organization composed of honorably discharged members of the AVG. The FTA offers for sale limited quantities of art, books and memorabilia having to do with the stories and exploits of the AVG Flying Tigers. Most items have original autographs of AVG members. Proceeds from sales are used to set-up displays in air museums around the country and to pay the expenses of the FTA. US Wings is officially licensed by the AVG Flying Tigers.
The AVG Flying Tigers have an official website at:
http://www.flyingtigersavg.com
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All jackets must be signed for with a photo ID and are insured.
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