Image of the Air Force wings with the museum name underneath

Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week
FREE Admission & Parking

Lt. Walter B. Wanamaker

On July 2, 1918, Lt. Walter B. Wanamaker of the 27th Aero Squadron was shot down behind German lines by the famous Ernst Udet, the leading German ace to survive World War I. Udet cut the fabric from the rudder of Wanamaker's Nieuport 28 as a trophy and though seriously injured, Wanamaker autographed the fabric.

In 1931 when Udet came to the U.S. to fly in the Cleveland Air Races, he brought the piece of fabric with him and returned it to Wanamaker. This act led to a close friendship that developed between these two former enemies.

Click here to return to the Air Service Overview.

 

 

Find Out More
Line
Related Fact Sheets
Nieuport 28
Line
Note: The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the National Museum of the USAF, the U.S. Air Force, or the Department of Defense, of the external website, or the information, products or services contained therein.