Officer's AEF Service Coat. 139th Aero. J.C. Bennett

[hawk3370]

When I was researching my book I had the opportunity of talk at length with Lt. John C. Bennett Jr. He passed on a number of tid bits about flying in WW1 and was in every way a true gentleman. I expressed my interest in insignia from the period and later I received a package containing two studio pictures of Lt. Bennett in his WW1 uniform sporting the 139th Aero Sq patch, some collar insignia and two 139th Aero Sq patches one in bullion and one silk embroidered. Lt. Bennett remained in the reserves and was promoted to Major in 1922, he was recalled to active service as a Capatin in 1942 and eventually retired as a Colonel. Lt. Bennett is credited with two kills during WW1. Attached are pic of him in his WW1 uniform, his WW1 uniform, WW2 uniform and a frame containing the two patches he sent me.

[manayunkman]

Cool group.

 

I had a small group from a man in this squadron with a French made patch.

[skypilot6670]

Beautiful !

[Chris Liontas]

Amazing patches Terry. The detail is so much better than the normal patches you see. You can actually see Hermès rather than just a big white blob :-)

[littlewilly]

Outstanding group! It is too bad the younger fellows will not share our experience of actual interviews with the WWI vets. I never got to talk to a combat pilot, but the infantry and artillery boys sure had some tales to pass on. Having that connection has always been special to me over the years. MHJ