Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is an exceptionally scarce framed commemorative piece for one of the most well-known and combat-torn Aero Squadrons in the First World War, the 94th Aero Squadron, nicknamed “Hat in the Ring” for their insignia. This squadron was the home of Eddie Rickenbacker, the most successful and most decorated United States flying ace of the war. The piece is expertly framed to make it an absolutely killer display piece! The frame measures 22 x 22”. This piece came from the collection of Bob Ford, one of the most well-known collectors of World War I militaria.

The piece depicts a great set of Pilot’s wings with the caption:

94TH AERO SQUADRON
1ST PURSUIT GROUP

KELLY FIELD
TEXAS

The portrait of the soldiers of the squadron appears to have been taken before they went overseas, a real rarity! The bottom of the frame depicts the famed insignia of the squadron, the “Hat in the Ring”. The squadron was one of the first American pursuit squadrons to reach the Western Front and see combat, becoming one of the most famous. The 94th was highly publicized in the American print media of the time, and its exploits "over there" were widely reported on the home front. Its squadron emblem, the "Hat in the Ring," became a symbol in the minds of the American public of the American Air Service of World War I.

This is a fantastic framed commemorative piece that will become the centerpiece of any WWI Aviation collection. If you were going to focus on a single squadron from the war, this is the one you’d pick! Comes ready for further research and display!

The 94th Aero Squadron was an Air Service, United States Army unit that fought on the Western Front during World War I. The squadron was assigned as a Day Pursuit (Fighter) Squadron as part of the 1st Pursuit Group, First United States Army. Its mission was to engage and clear enemy aircraft from the skies and provide escort to reconnaissance and bombardment squadrons over enemy territory. It also attacked enemy observation balloons, and perform close air support and tactical bombing attacks of enemy forces along the front lines.

The squadron was one of the first American pursuit squadrons to reach the Western Front and see combat, becoming one of the most famous. The 94th was highly publicized in the American print media of the time, and its exploits "over there" were widely reported on the home front. Its squadron emblem, the "Hat in the Ring" became a symbol in the minds of the American Public of the American Air Service of World War I. Three notable air aces served with the squadron, Eddie Rickenbacker, who was awarded almost every decoration attainable, including the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross. Douglas Campbell was the first American trained pilot to become an air ace. He shared the honor of having the first official victory over an enemy aircraft with Alan Winslow. Another squadron member, Raoul Lufbery, attained 17 aerial victories before leaping to his death from a fiery Nieuport 28 aircraft in May 1918.

After the 1918 Armistice with Germany, the squadron returned to the United States in June 1919 and became part of the permanent United States Army Air Service in 1921. The current United States Air Force unit which holds its lineage and history is the 94th Fighter Squadron, assigned to the 1st Operations Group, Joint Base Langley–Eustis, Virginia.