WWII USAAF Named Service Coat Cpl. Wesley L. Knapp Caterpillar Club Member

This is an original WWII U. Army Air Forces (USAAF) Enlisted Man's Service Coat, definitively identified to Corporal Wesley L. Wesley Knapp was a native of Michigan and a veteran of the Pacific Theater. Most notably, he was a certified member of the Caterpillar Club -an exclusive organization for those who successfully bailed out of a disabled aircraft using a parachute to save their life.

Following the war, he dedicated over 6,000 hours to the Kalamazoo Air Museum, cementing his legacy in aviation history. Laundry Number: The interior lining is marked "K-5516", matching the first letter of his surname and the last four digits of his Army Service Number. Name Tag: A period-correct leather name tag embossed with W. KNAPP is professionally sewn into the collar area. Insignia: The jacket features a high-quality USAAF shoulder sleeve insignia and Corporal chevrons on the sleeve.

Size: Stamped 37R (37 Regular). Fabric: The wool serge material remains structurally sound with a good "hand". Buttons: Features original brass "Great Seal" buttons. Please note visible verdigris (green oxidation) on several buttons, which is typical for items of this age.

Wear: There are a few minor moth nips (small holes) characteristic of vintage wool, including one noted near the lower pocket. Details: All pockets and the internal lining are intact. Named uniforms with verifiable "Caterpillar Club" history are increasingly rare. This piece offers a direct connection to a specific airman's survival story and would make an excellent addition to any advanced USAAF or Pacific Theater collection.

All items are packed with care to preserve historical integrity.

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