This is an exceptional and rare original photograph from the 1940s, featuring an African American man serving in the US Army Air Forces during World War II. The image captures him in a private-purchase leather flying jacket, meticulously detailed with an Army Air Forces (AAF) shoulder patch and his name stenciled on the left breast—a hallmark of personalized military gear from the era. He completes the uniform with a visor cap, embodying the pride and professionalism of the era's aviators.
 
Measuring 8.5cm x 12cm, this unpublished personal photograph is a powerful testament to the often-underrepresented role of African American servicemen in the war effort. The personalized jacket, especially privately purchased, indicates individuality and pride amidst a segregated military structure.
 
Ideal for collectors of military history, African American memorabilia, WWII aviation, or vintage photography, this image offers a poignant, humanizing glimpse into the past. Its rarity and condition make it a significant educational and display piece.
 
Key Details:
 
Subject: African American US Army Air Forces serviceman in personalized gear
 
Era: 1940s (World War II)
 
Uniform: Private-purchase leather jacket with AAF patch, stenciled name, and visor cap
 
Size: 8.5cm x 12cm
 
Type: Original unpublished personal photograph
 
Condition: Period-appropriate aging with minor wear; image remains clear and evocative
 
Historical Significance: Highlights African American participation in WWII aviation