In support of an official event 

The Museum will be closed Sunday, May 25
In addition, the Fourth Hangar will be closed Saturday, May 24

Guided tours of the 4th building, normally scheduled at 3:00 p.m. daily, are canceled through May 28.

Effective immediately, the William E. Boeing Presidential Gallery will have limited guest access due to scheduled event preparations. The only accessible exhibits during this time include: Douglas VC-54 Sacred Cow, Flying the President Exhibit, USAF Established Artifact. We anticipate full gallery access will resume by June 5, 2025.

Balloon Mechanic Patch

Note: This item is currently in storage.

This insignia was worn by U.S. balloon mechanics in the Air Service's Balloon Section during World War I. U.S. balloon mechanics were trained in Europe by specialists from French balloon units, which had been in service for approximately 10 years prior. Maintaining balloons was an important requirement, as balloons were used in WWI primarily for day and night observation (locating targets and tracking activity behind enemy lines), as well as regulating artillery fire. This insignia is a white silk and thread balloon with basket on a black felt background. It is 3-1/4 inches high by 2-1/2 inches wide.

Donated by Col. (Ret.) Robert F. Schirmer.

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