An original US Army Officers Regulation raincoat named to Leroy Engdale who was a pilot/navigator in the 448th Bomb Group.
This original coat is a real piece of 8th Air Force history. The original owner has not only written his name in ink inside the coat but also his Squadron, bomb group, trade and even the date ‘May 11th 1944’. The 448th flew B-24 Liberators out of Seething in Norfolk so this is most likely where he was based.
The coat is a typical example of a US Officers regulation coat featuring a red lining, buttons to attach a liner to the interior, tab cuffs and waistbelt.
The raincoat is a good tall size and is labeled up as a 38 extra long. The inside arm measures at 21” and the chest measures at 20” so I would say the label is accurate.
The condition of the coat is very good for its age although it isn’t perfect. The cost was clearly worn during the war but looked after and probably didn’t see much use post war. There are some marks and various small holes although nothing that really detracts from what is, in my opinion, a very nice raincoat.
A nice original WW2 USAAF raincoat in a good long size with some brilliant history. This is a must have for the 8th Air Force collector!
