WW1 Wing, Named

[aacapt]

These wings belonged to Charles Foster Weeden. He was an instructor pilot and did not go overseas during the war. During WW2 he was recalled as a Lt Col and served in the 15th AF in Africa and Italy. I'm trying to add other supporting photos, but so far, they're all too big--don't know how this one got through.

[cwnorma]

aacapt,

 

That is a lovely wing. It ia always a treat to see one of these in such fine shape! It looks like it may be a pin-back? Would love to see photos of the backs of both badges.

 

Chris

[aacapt]

Here is the back. As you can see, it is not a pin back. The instructor wing has a repair to the tip (not evident from the back, but visible from the front.)

 

[aacapt]

This is Weeden's Aero Club of America Aviator's Cerificate. The Pilot Wings, Instructor sleeve device and ACoA book came with a letter from Lt Col Weeden to PJ Carisella explaining what each was. Also included was a small snapshot of a wrecked biplane with the inscription "Charles Weeden Plane Crash, Somewhere in Conn" Carisella was an author who had written a book on the death of the Red Baron. My guess is that the grouping is from Mr. Carisella's estate.

[Kimo]

Thanks for the photo of his Aero Club of America membership card. It is always nice to see these. Some people confuse these for a pilot's license - there were no US pilot's licenses until 1927 when the US government finally decided to crack down on people who were flying aircraft and ensure that US pilots had at least a basic amount of flight training and were held accountable. The ACA was a private club who held flying events for their members and one needed to have their card to be able to enter their flying events.

[aacapt]

Here's a larger picture of the wings and instructor device. The scanner produced a larger picture than I was able to upload from my iPhone camera. Operator error, I'm sure.

[mghcal]

Wow that's a real beauty! thanks for sharing