Identified China Burma India Theater 9th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron Staff Sergeant M1941 Field Jacket and Tunic

The group is comprised of a Model 1941 “Parsons” Field Jacket and the same soldier’s four pocket service tunic. The interior of the tunic bears the laundry mark of “L 1661” and the army service number of “31281661”. This information identified the tunic to “Bruno S. Lorenzet” of Connecticut, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 97. His obituary may be found online and it confirms that “…he enlisted during World War II and served his country in India, Burma, and North Africa, rising to Staff Sergeant with the Ninth Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, U.S. Army Air Corps”. The field jacket was modified in the theater of operations through the addition of a leather cover over the collar as well as leather trim to the front left edge, the pocket edges, and the waist. The upper left breast of the jacket has the large theater made squadron patch of the 9th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron of the Army Air Force. The field jacket exhibits substantial wear, with holes, fraying, stains, and tears. The zipper is broken. The four pocket tunic has clutch back “U.S.” and Army Air Force collar disks. On the upper left breast is a theater made pin back ribbon bar with the ribbons for the Army Good Conduct Medal, the European Campaign Medal, and the Pacific Campaign Medal with three campaign stars. On the left shoulder is a bullion theater made patch of the China Burma India Theater. The lower left sleeve has four overseas service chevrons. Both sleeves carry the rank chevrons of a Staff Sergeant. On the right shoulder is the wool embroidered patch of the Army Air Force. On the lower right sleeve is the Army Air Force specialty patch of a photographer. On the upper right breast is the honorable discharge “Ruptured Duck” patch. The lower right pocket has a washed out and tattered Quartermaster Depot tag. The tunic shows some spots but overall it is quite clean and in very good condition.