This fabric insignia was cut from a German aircraft reportedly shot down by Lieutenant Frank Luke, Jr., an ace with the 27th Aero Squadron of the United States Army Air Service (USAAS). Luke's total of 18 enemy kills included four aircraft. Therefore the source of this fabric insignia was a Fokker D.VII, a Halberstadt C, or a Hannover CL aircraft.
The straight black cross, often called the "Balkenkreuz," was a World War I insignia adopted by the German Air Service in mid-April 1918. Variations of the straight cross design replaced the earlier "cross pattée" insignia on all German aircraft for the duration of the conflict and beyond.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
Germany
Type
MEMORABILIA-World War I
Physical Description
Fabric aircraft insignia, straight black cross ("Balkenkreuz"), painted on lozenge-pattern camouflage fabric; camouflage pattern is more clearly visible on underside of fabric. Item shows evidence of wear and aging.
Dimensions
2-D - Unframed (H x W): 123 x 113cm (48 7/16 x 44 1/2 in.)
Materials
Linen
Coating
Inventory Number
A19500169000
Credit Line
Donated by Mrs. Mary E. "Mother" Tusch
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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