Original Grouping. One-of-a-Kind. This is a nice WWI Pilot’s uniform tunic to a 2nd Lieutenant who served 12-17 months overseas. The uniform jacket, which was most likely French-tailored, bears a shadow over the left breast pocket where the pilot’s original wings were attached. The wings are now entirely absent, likely removed by a collector, as the wings themselves can fetch upwards of $1,500. In the pocket of the tunic was a postal box rental slip for a box in Bath, Maine dated December 30th, 1919, made out to a Dunn. This identifies the uniform to Lieutenant Alfred C. Dunn, who went overseas in February 1918 and served with the 648th Aero Squadron. Dunn’s address is listed as Bath, Maine.

The tunic appears to be French tailored, with the slimmer cut and construction often encountered on privately purchased AEF officer uniforms made overseas. It remains largely intact but shows moderate moth damage along the front button closure together with general service and age wear.

The tunic has US & Aviation officer’s collar insignia, two overseas chevrons on the left cuff, and 2nd Lieutenant bars on each shoulder strap. There is a great 1st Army Aviation Patch on the left shoulder with the big 1st Army “A” with an aviation roundel inside. There is some moderate moth damage to the front of the tunic along the button closure.

Alfred C. Dunn was appointed a 2nd Lieutenant in the Signal Reserve Corps on December 15th, 1917, and was sent overseas February 16th, 1918, being assigned to the 648th Aero Squadron, which actually saw combat in the St. Mihiel Offensive from September 12-16th! A newspaper article mentions he saw heavy service aloft in the Meuse-Argonne front.

Dunn returned to the US on May 18th, 1919, and spent the next few years working with the boy scouts. There is much more research to be done on Dunn, making for an exciting project.

Official First Army Air Service records show elements of the 648th Aero Squadron actively assigned within First Army aviation organizations during the St. Mihiel Offensive. Flight B served with the 1st Pursuit Group, while another flight was placed under the tactical direction of the First Pursuit Wing and supported the 96th Day Bombardment Squadron and observation units operating from Amanty.

This tunic is particularly noteworthy for the combination of its Aviation officer insignia, 2nd Lieutenant rank, two overseas chevrons, distinctive First Army Air Service patch, surviving evidence of removed breast wings, Bath, Maine Dunn postal slip, and researched association with Alfred C. Dunn of the 648th Aero Squadron. The 648th’s documented service with First Army aviation during St. Mihiel and the Meuse-Argonne gives the uniform substantial operational context.

Approximate Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 9.5"
Shoulder to sleeve: 25.5"
Shoulder to shoulder: 16.5"
Chest width: 19.5"
Waist: 19"
Hip: 20.5"
Front length: 31"