This coat was worn by the donor the Hon. Harold H. Tittmann Jr. (1893–1981). Tittmann served with the 94th Aero Squadron during World War I and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for an encounter with seven German aircraft on July 1, 1918. While on patrol, Tittmann immediately attacked the German formation despite their numerical superiority and the advantage of position. After firing a few rounds his guns jammed. While evading enemy machine-gun fire he repaired his jammed guns and resumed his attack. Although he was severely wounded, he continued until the enemy was forced to retire behind their own lines.
After the war he joined the US Foreign Service, in which he served thirty-eight years, ultimately rising to the rank of Career Ambassador.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.