Vapor Special Operations Supercar

 The Vapor Special Operations Supercar is a showcase of US Air Force ingenuity, state-of the-art technology, and innovation.  The Vapor was one of two custom-built automobiles commissioned by the Air Force Recruiting Service in 2009 for its Project Supercar recruiting campaign.  This fully customized Dodge Challenger was built by Galpin Auto Sports

Lafayette Flying Corps Dress Cap

 Note: This item is currently in storage. This Lafayette Flying Corps dress cap (kepki) was made for American volunteer James A. Connelly, Jr.  He joined the Lafayette Flying Corps in November 1917 and was assigned to Spa. 157 and later Spa. 163.  He is credited with seven confirmed victories.  Dress caps or “kepki’s” were worn by members of the

Lafayette Escadrille Insignia

Note: This item is currently in storage. This color illustration of the famous “Indian head” insignia of the Lafayette Escadrille belonged to Lt. Charles Dolan, Jr., an American volunteer with the Lafayette Escadrille during WWI. He served with the squadron until February 1918, when he and many others were transferred to the US Army Air Service to

Aircraft Insigne, 139th Aero Squadron

Note: This item is currently in storage This insigne was removed from the wreckage of Lt. David E. Putnam’s SPAD XIII aircraft during WWI. Lt. Putnam was shot down and killed on September 12, 1918 by a flight of eight German aircraft after flying to the aid of an allied observation plane.  Lt. Putnam flew with the Lafayette Flying Corps prior to

Aircraft Insigne, 138th Aero Squadron from WWI

Note: This item is currently in storage.This insigne was cut from the fabric of a SPAD VII aircraft flown by Capt Walter H. Schultze, the commanding officer of the 138th Aero Squadron.  Capt Schultze was killed in an aircraft accident near Anderach, Germany on June 28, 1919.  The squadron insignia was designed by Sgt Samuel Dilly, Jr. of

Lt. LaBoiteaux’s Assignment and Back Home

Note: This item is currently in storageLieutenant Andrew J. LaBoiteaux completed his training at the School of Bombardment in Aulnat, France in on December 2, 1918, almost three weeks after the signing of the Armistice.  On December 6, he received orders to report for duty with the 96th Aero Squadron.  However, by January 10, the 96th had begun to

Lt LaBoiteaux on the RMS Adriatic

Note: This item is currently in storage Lieutenant Andrew J. LaBoiteaux boarded the RMS Adriatic on October 6, 1918.  During the 12-day crossing, LaBoiteaux took advantage of the meals offered, noting in his scrapbook, “Mess wasn’t so very bad going over.”  LaBoiteaux arrived in England on October 17, 1918, sending a quick postcard to his mother

Lt. LaBoiteaux Embarkation Instructions

Note: This item is currently in storage After arriving at port, completing the necessary last minute preparations, and perhaps squeezing in a bit of last minute fun, Signal Corps members were left to await their embarkation instructions.  Lieutenant Andrew J. LaBoiteaux received his instructions on October 4, 1918.  Issued by the War Department and

Lt LaBoiteaux Awaits Embarkation to the Front

Note: This item is currently in storage Officers leaving for the front often had to await embarkation orders once they arrived at their port. Lieutenant Andrew J. LaBoiteaux and other Signal Corps members often spent their time taking care of last minute paperwork, such as obtaining their final medical clearance and official certificate of identity

Lt. Andrew J. LaBoiteaux Completes Aerial Gunnery Training

Note: This item is currently in storage Besides learning to fly an aircraft, Signal Corps pilots were required to train on aerial gunnery.  Before leaving for the front, Lieutenant Andrew J. LaBoiteaux completed his aerial gunnery training at Taliaferro Field, near Fort Worth, Texas.  According to his diploma, dated August 10, 1918, LaBoiteaux