ID’d Test pilot’s jacket

[Luftwaffe 1941]

I recently picked up this cool Air Force jacket on auction, and after getting it in the mail I found that it was hiding a few surprises. I found a clearly written name and laundry number behind the collar, and inside one of the pockets an old receipt from the railway express agency.



After doing some research on the name, I was able to dig up some rather interesting information behind the man who this jacket belonged to. On a website dedicated to the preservation of historical buildings in Kansas, I found this.



It appears this man served as a test pilot during the war! In addition to this really neat history, it also appears that after the war Mr Kapfer became a distinguished architect. In the end I’m very glad that I threw my bid on this jacket. You never know the history you may be able to uncover when you buy uniforms like these.

Just thought I would share this cool find with you guys!

Best regards- Jarret

[BrodieBartfast]

A fantastic find, Jarret. Glad to finally see it, after you mentioned it to me via PM. A real hidden gem.

Regards, B.B.

[WTolleson1940]

Nice looking jacket there. Good find!

Calloway

[Anderson]

Very interesting. Rather meteoric rise to test pilot status. He was finished at high school in 1943, the war was over 2 years later. It does suggest he had natural flying ability. Be interesting to research any war service he had, test pilots were often combat veterans who had done their tour.

[MAP]

Nice Jarret. Interesting he didn't continue flying. Test Pilots are pretty fearless guys I have heard.

[Luftwaffe 1941]

I'm pretty curious to find out more about this man's service. As a test pilot I would assume he flew some pretty crazy aircraft. Everything from experimental U.S. designs, to captured axis aircraft. I'm going to continue researching this man. Since it appears he was a rather well known business owner in his community, i'm sure there's more information to be found about him.

Best regards- Jarret

[AZPhil]

Excellent jacket Jarret, Your on a roll with these goodies,
I believe that jacket would be his Flight Cadet uniform with that patch on the right sleeve.

Semper Fi
Phil

[AZPhil]

Just looking up that laundry number here.

It says he enlisted on 14 March 1944.
View Record: John F. Kapfer - 17136862 | WWII US Army Enlistment Records

It really nice to know the name when looking at laundry numbers. Other wise you would be searching 42 records

Semper Fi
Phil

[Luftwaffe 1941]

Excellent jacket Jarret, Your on a roll with these goodies,
I believe that jacket would be his Flight Cadet uniform with that patch on the right sleeve.

Semper Fi
Phil

Thanks Phil!

I was trying to find out what that patch was by researching it in a reference book I purchased recently. I couldn't find it in the book, so you definitely helped me there! I didn't even know what to call this type of jacket until I saw your response. It just goes to show I still have much to learn.

I think it's safe to say that i'm hooked on U.S. uniforms now. I just can't stop buying them!

Best regards- Jarret

[AZPhil]

My pleasure Jarret.
Here is a snip from WiKi about that program.

" Flight cadet insignia was worn on the lower right sleeve."

Now you need to look for the visor they wore with the big propeller on it

I was trying to find a pic. I'll have to dig in to my references


Semper Fi
Phil