USAAF 100th Bombardment Group “Masters of the Air” Squad (4-Pack) WWII – Custom Printed Brick Block Figure

English Name & Overall Theme

• English Translation: WWII USAAF 100th Bombardment Group “Masters of the Air” Squad (4-Pack)

• Faction / Military Branch: United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) / Eighth Air Force

• Historical Era: World War II (1943–1945)

Character Identification, Detailed Descriptions, and Historical Background

1. WWII USAAF 100th Bomb Group Pilot (Shearling Jacket)

(First figure from the left in the front view; second from the left in the back view)

• Character Identification: This figure represents a B-17 bomber pilot or high-altitude crewman geared up in heavy cold-weather flight clothing to survive the freezing temperatures of the European air war.

• Detailed Description:

  • Front: The figure wears a brown leather A-11 flying helmet topped with grey aviator goggles. His torso features a stunning white/cream B-3 style shearling flight jacket with a thick tan fur collar and waist lining. An officer’s tie is visible beneath the collar. His left shoulder bears the Eighth Air Force patch. The legs represent black insulated flight pants strapped over black boots.

  • Back: The reverse side beautifully illustrates the stitched leather panel seams characteristic of heavy sheepskin bomber jackets.

• Historical Background: The 100th Bombardment Group, part of the Eighth Air Force, flew unpressurized B-17 Flying Fortresses at altitudes of up to 25,000 feet, where temperatures could drop to -50°F (-45°C). Aircrews were in constant danger of severe frostbite, requiring these heavy sheepskin-lined jackets and electrically heated suits just to survive the elements, let alone the enemy flak and Luftwaffe fighters.

2. WWII USAAF 100th Bomb Group Pilot (Survival Vest)

(Second figure from the left in the front view; first from the left in the back view)

• Character Identification: This figure depicts a bomber pilot equipped with specialized escape and evasion gear, wearing a highly detailed survival vest over his leather flight jacket.

• Detailed Description:

  • Front: Topped with a green AN-H-15 summer cloth flight helmet and goggles, this pilot wears a classic brown A-2 leather flight jacket. Over the jacket, he sports an olive green C-1 survival vest, intricately printed with multiple buttoned utility pockets. The chest features the USAAF winged star insignia.

  • Back: The back view showcases the complex rear lacing and adjustment straps of the C-1 survival vest, designed to fit tightly over bulky flight gear.

• Historical Background: Earning the grim nickname “The Bloody Hundredth,” this bomb group suffered devastating losses during daylight precision bombing raids. The C-1 Survival Vest was introduced to give downed airmen a fighting chance. Its many pockets held emergency rations, a compass, first aid kits, fishing line, and signaling mirrors—essential gear if the crew had to bail out over occupied Europe.

3. WWII USAAF 100th Bomb Group Ground Crew Mechanic (Coveralls)

(Third figure from the left in both views)

• Character Identification: Representing the unsung heroes of the airfield, this figure is a USAAF mechanic responsible for repairing and maintaining the massive bomber fleet.

• Detailed Description:

  • Front: The bareheaded figure has wavy ginger hair and a stern expression. He is dressed in standard-issue olive drab Herringbone Twill (HBT) mechanic’s coveralls. The uniform is heavily soiled with printed black oil and grease smudges across the chest and legs. A printed silver wrench is tucked practically into his belt.

  • Back: The back continues the greasy, worn aesthetic with more oil splatters and the continuation of the fabric waist belt.

• Historical Background: While pilots flew the missions, the bombers only made it into the air because of the ground echelon. Mechanics worked around the clock on open, freezing English hardstands to patch sheet metal, replace Wright Cyclone engines, and fix hydraulic lines. The one-piece HBT coveralls (often called “monkey suits”) were worn to protect their underlying uniforms from the inevitable baths of aviation oil and grease.

4. WWII USAAF 100th Bomb Group Armorer / Mechanic (Suspenders)

(Fourth figure from the left in both views)

• Character Identification: This figure portrays a resourceful ground crew member or armorer who has mixed his standard work uniform with heavy flight gear to stay warm on the freezing tarmac.

• Detailed Description:

  • Front: Sporting black hair and a dirt-smudged face, this figure wears an olive drab wool work shirt covered in grease stains. He wears dark brown suspenders and a printed M3-style brown leather shoulder holster across his chest. His legs feature thick, dark brown leather flight trousers (similar to A-3 pants) and muddy boots.

  • Back: The reverse view shows the crossing straps of the suspenders and the back strap of the shoulder holster, along with heavy wear details on the leather trousers.

• Historical Background: English winters at bases like RAF Thorpe Abbotts were notoriously wet, muddy, and bitter cold. Because ground crews worked outdoors in these miserable conditions, they frequently bartered for or repurposed the insulated leather flight pants issued to the aircrews. The shoulder holster was a common accessory for armorers or guards working on remote parts of the airfield to protect sensitive equipment.