This United States Navy aviator’s uniform was worn by the donor during World War I. He was a member of the First Aeronautic Detachment which was the first American aviation offensive unit to arrive in France on June 7, 1917. In addition the unit flew the first American combat patrol from Le Croisic, France on November 13, 1917.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.