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She Said "My Dad Flew With The Wright Brothers" Aviation Grouping


manayunkman
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A photo out of Mr R's collection.

 

I really didn't want this one at the time but the family gave it to me.

 

Can anyone ID the unit or anything ?

post-51189-0-22049100-1354583310_thumb.jpg

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I got to see the one photo post card of Mr R with one of the Wright Bros.

 

They wouldn't even consider an offer.

 

They also insisted that Mr. R. was a flyer.

 

Apparently some one has his green uniform with aviator's wings.

 

Mr R.'s name is in the 1915 Army Navy Review.

 

Under the heading "Signal Service and Aviation School".

 

He is on the roster for the school detachment under Corporals.

 

This was in San Diego, Ca.

 

Here is the newest Discharge in the collection

post-51189-0-10891200-1354585622.jpg

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This is an incredible grouping... "amazing" just doesn't do it justice. Thank you so much for posting this educational and awesome grouping!

-Johannes

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everytime I look at one of your post I am amazed at what historic pieces you have picked up over your years of collecting.

thanks for showing this and your many other amazing groups.

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Johnny Signor

A photo out of Mr R's collection.

 

I really didn't want this one at the time but the family gave it to me.

 

Can anyone ID the unit or anything ?

The aircraft is a DH-4(De Havilland),if british made, US built(Airco DH-4) , it most likely was from either an "Observation" or Bombardment" unit as most DH-4's were

Johnny

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This is a great group! However, I note a bit of confusion in the paperwork-- one of the early discharge papers says he was discharged in September 1918 to be commissioned. He was apparently commissioned and in March of 1920 was discharged as a Second Lieutenant. One paper says he was "re-enlisted" in April 1920. Later in 1934, he is discharged as a Master Sergeant. Do you have any paperwork which describes what happened in the interim? Apparently, he was either RIFd or busted. As regards him being a pilot, I can't find him on any lists, but there were enlisted pilots from 1912. Odds are, he was not a pilot, but may have flown as observer or passenger on any number of occasions. Alternatively, he may have been commissioned in 1918 to undertake flight training, and washed out of the course, then reverting to enlisted status. I have no idea, and am simply thinking out loud. Just for interest, Sgt Rice is mentioned in the "Air Service Newsletter" for 12 July 1922 ( http://www.scribd.com/doc/78525346/Air-Force-News-Jul-Dec-1922).

 

If you have any interest in the general topic of enlisted pilots in the early years (of which he does not appear to have been one), I strongly recommend "They Also Flew-- The Enlisted Pilot Legacy 1912-1942", by Lee Arbon, published by Smithsonian Institution Press in 1992.

 

Again, a great group! Thanks for posting. Doc

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Thanks Doc.

 

I appreciate any information I can get on Mr R.

 

I have posted everything I have on him.

 

Where in the "Air Service Newsletter" is he mentioned ?

 

I got to page 9 and still hadn't seen his name but reading comprehension is not my strong suite.

 

As Philip said to the Eunuch " Do you understand what you are reading ? "

 

Not without some help.

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The aircraft is a DH-4(De Havilland),if british made, US built(Airco DH-4) , it most likely was from either an "Observation" or Bombardment" unit as most DH-4's were

Johnny

 

 

Thanks Johnny

 

He was part of the 2nd Observation Squadron.

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everytime I look at one of your post I am amazed at what historic pieces you have picked up over your years of collecting.

thanks for showing this and your many other amazing groups.

 

Thank you for your gracious comment.

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This is an incredible grouping... "amazing" just doesn't do it justice. Thank you so much for posting this educational and awesome grouping!

-Johannes

 

Many thanks for thinking so.

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Thanks Doc.

 

 

Where in the "Air Service Newsletter" is he mentioned ?

 

 

 

Don't remember the page, but it is well after page 9..... Just open that page and do a search for his name. It will pop right up at you. Doc

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