WWII Khaki Army Air Force China Burma India Liaison Pilot Tunic with Theater Made Insignia and “Grasshopper” Pilot Patch

The four pocket khaki tunic displays chevrons for the rank of Staff Sergeant on the sleeves, with overseas stripes for two years of service outside of the United States. The collar bears embroidered cloth “U.S.” and Army Air force branch insignia. On the left shoulder is the theater made patch of the China Burma India Theater (which has a small worn spot in the upper blue section), while the right shoulder has the embroidered wool patch of the Army Air Force. On the upper left breast are two ribbon bars which are sewn directly to the tunic, displaying ribbons which include the Air Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three bronze campaign stars. Above the ribbon bars is a superb, full size, theater made, bullion Liaison Pilot wing. Concealed beneath the upper left pocket flap is a theater made patch with an embroidered grasshopper as well as embroidered Chinese kanji for “Grasshopper”. This patch was a reference to the fact that the Liaison pilots, who piloted single engine, low flying, observation planes, were referred to as “Grasshoppers” (and, in fact, one of those small Liaison planes, the “L-2”, manufactured by the Taylorcraft Aviation Company, was formally named “The Grasshopper).  The”Grasshopper” patch on this tunic was hidden under the pocket flap in accordance with Army Air Force tradition, when pilots and air crew frequently wore their unauthorized insignia (such as their “Caterpillar Club” and “Winged Boot” badges) concealed beneath lapels or pocket flaps. The tunic is exceptionally clean and it makes an excellent appearance. The interior bears a tag with a stated size of “38”.