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The aircraft from which this fabric was cut was reportedly a combat victory of Captain John W. Signer of the 88th Aero Squadron of the United States Army Air Service (USAAS). The combat occurred on 22 October 1918 and the German Fokker D.VII aircraft was brought down near Clergy le Grand, France. As the squadron began flying missions in mid-September to support the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, it is likely this combat occurred during that phase of operations.

This 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 from an aircraft of the German Air Service; irregular shape. A straight black cross with white-outline painted on lozenge-pattern camouflage fabric. One side features a series of grommets pulled together with tied rope. Handwriting on the back describes this item as having been cut from an aircraft brought down in combat. Dimensions 2-D - Unframed (H x W): 62 x 80cm (24 7/16 x 31 1/2 in.)
 Materials Natural fabric, paint, aircraft dope, steel
 Inventory Number A19500162000 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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