The particular individual, highly decorated for his WWII combat service, was extremely reluctant to wear the jacket. He felt like it was "bragging", even though he earned every decoration. The jacket is being worn by him today, in eternity, never to be removed. Just like the artillery shrapnel that is imbedded in his hip.
Fanch, TX, I think that it's a great gesture to make a repro jacket that a family member wore for them our for yourself. If for yourself, I'm sure that nobody would have any problem with it once they knew the story. The familial connection makes a difference I think, to guys like me that wear patched jackets out of respect and admiration, but only have our geeky knowledge as an excuse.