AMERICAN AIR FORCE ESCAPE MAP ASIATIC SERIES: No. 32

Silk map issued in Washington D.C., USA by the Army Map Service for the United States Air Force. It was first worn by fighter pilots in early 1942 when they first attacked the Japanese Air Force over Burma. This map was used by the “A.V.G.” [“AMERICAN VOLUNTEER GROUP”] known as the “FLYING TIGERS” throughout WWII in China, Burma and Indochina. Printed on fabric, it allowed pilots and crews shot down behind enemy lines or at sea to be able to navigate thanks to this indelible ink, it was generally worn around the neck of the fighter pilot, or placed in the pocket of the flight jacket, survival vest or in the trouser leg pocket of the flight suit.