KASTAUFFER Posted March 27, 2010 #1 Posted March 27, 2010 I thought I would share this group because it is very eary and very scarce. This is a group to an NAP ( Naval Aviation Pilot ) who earned his wings of gold in 1926 . He was NAP # 131 . I have seen another NAP certificate to a pilot who earned his wings in 1921 and he was NAP # 67 . This shows how few enlisted pilots there were in the early years. He stayed in the USN through WWII and was commissioned an officer during the war. In 1948 he was a Lieutenant. I got quite a few original documents with this group, most from his pilot training. He cracked up 1 plane during his training and there are a number of documents relating to that experience.
KASTAUFFER Posted March 27, 2010 Author #3 Posted March 27, 2010 His Good conduct medals and wings. I especially love his 20's - 30's era Naval Aviator wings. They are NS Meyer and marked Sterling. The hallmarks are raised.
KASTAUFFER Posted March 27, 2010 Author #5 Posted March 27, 2010 Various photos including a picture of the plane he cracked up!
KASTAUFFER Posted March 27, 2010 Author #6 Posted March 27, 2010 Photo taken in 1937 of VF-2 with Shindler in the back row.
Adam R Posted March 28, 2010 #7 Posted March 28, 2010 I thought I would share this group because it is very eary and very scarce. This is a group to an NAP ( Naval Aviation Pilot ) who earned his wings of gold in 1926 . He was NAP # 131 . I have seen another NAP certificate to a pilot who earned his wings in 1921 and he was NAP # 67 . This shows how few enlisted pilots there were in the early years. He stayed in the USN through WWII and was commissioned an officer during the war. In 1948 he was a Lieutenant. I got quite a few original documents with this group, most from his pilot training. He cracked up 1 plane during his training and there are a number of documents relating to that experience. Awesome grouping, Kurt! I've done a lot of stupid things in my life and the most recent one was not buying this group when I first saw it.
John Cooper Posted March 28, 2010 #8 Posted March 28, 2010 Kurt - thanks for posting these "hens teeth" and for the close ups of the wings! John
bmbrzmn101 Posted March 28, 2010 #9 Posted March 28, 2010 That is a great grouping and something you don't see everyday. Chris
rustywings Posted March 28, 2010 #10 Posted March 28, 2010 Terrific grouping! What a piece of aviation history. Are those embroidered wings on the forearm of your aviator in the second photograph of post #6?
teufelhunde.ret Posted March 28, 2010 #11 Posted March 28, 2010 Good find Kurt! Great examples of period mini wings too. Thank you for sharing this group with us! s/f Darrell
Dave Posted March 28, 2010 #12 Posted March 28, 2010 Kurt, I hate to be a one-word-poster, but this group is breathtaking...all I can say is: WOW Dave
bobgee Posted March 28, 2010 #13 Posted March 28, 2010 GREAT NAVAL AVIATION HISTORY, Kurt! Thanks for showing it. Interesting to note that he wears his metal wings on his right breast in the formal photo as a Chief. His NAP sleeve rating (with wing insignia) was a left arm rate so I wonder what was going on? Can anyone clarify? Bob
sigsaye Posted March 28, 2010 #15 Posted March 28, 2010 Terrific grouping! What a piece of aviation history. Are those embroidered wings on the forearm of your aviator in the second photograph of post #6? I don't think those are "Wings". In this photo, he is a Seaman Second Class. When he got his "Wings", according to the documents he was an Aviation Machinests Mate First Class. I think what we are seeing is the winged Propeller of an AMM Striker mark. Fantastic grouping by the way. Think of the things he saw in his career, from open cockpit bi-planes to jets. Steve hesson
vicjoy1945 Posted March 29, 2010 #16 Posted March 29, 2010 Hey Kurt ! I saw this grouping and immediately thought of you...glad you were able to pick it up !! :thumbsup: Vic
BEAST Posted March 29, 2010 #17 Posted March 29, 2010 Kurt, What a great grouping! Looks like you are having quite a streak with early USN aviation!
rustywings Posted March 30, 2010 #18 Posted March 30, 2010 I don't think those are "Wings". In this photo, he is a Seaman Second Class. When he got his "Wings", according to the documents he was an Aviation Machinests Mate First Class. I think what we are seeing is the winged Propeller of an AMM Striker mark. Fantastic grouping by the way. Think of the things he saw in his career, from open cockpit bi-planes to jets. Steve hesson Steve, thanks for sharing your naval savy. An AMM Striker mark makes more sense. Russ
graham Posted March 30, 2010 #19 Posted March 30, 2010 Very nice grouping. Any chance of a close up of the CPO cap insignia. Graham.
Belleauwood Posted March 31, 2010 #20 Posted March 31, 2010 Kurt, I have pretty much confined myself to WW1 Aviation as you know. However, groups like your's really strike a note. Your collection is top notch, and this group is no exception. Best, Dennis
mark leonard Posted January 23, 2013 #22 Posted January 23, 2013 Kurt I missed seeing this the first time..OUTSTANDING group!!.. I wish you would start a thread of all your Naval Aviator Certificates ,the last one you got is a screamer ! Mark
KASTAUFFER Posted January 23, 2013 Author #23 Posted January 23, 2013 Hey Mark I think I may have to take you up on that request! Kurt
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