The "Hat in the Ring" insignia represented the 94th Aero Squadron of the United States Army Air Service (USAAS) during World War I. This emblem was from a squadron aircraft that flown by H. Weir Cook, during the conflict. Cook was an ace credited with shooting down three aircraft and four observation balloons. The 94th Aero Squadron, one of the first American pursuit squadrons to operate over the Western Front and see combat, was highly publicized in American print media and became one of the most famous squadrons in the USAAS.
This insignia was cut off of H. Weir Cook’s Spad XIII during World War I by Sgt. Oke Sieurin. Oke Sieurin served as Cook’s aircraft maintenance technician during the war. The donors received the collection as a gift from their father Donald Sieurin. Donald is the son of Oke Sieurin and inherited the insignia from his father.
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
Type
MEMORABILIA-World War I
Physical Description
Hand painted 94th Aero Squadron insignia; "Uncle Sam's" top hat depicted with blue field on top with five white five point stars and alternating red and white vertical stripes on the lower half; white underside of brim surrounded by a red ring; black background; seven black Maltese crosses representing enemy aircraft shot down painted on inside band of the hat.
Dimensions
2-D - In Frame (H x W x D): 63.5 × 76.2cm (25 × 30 in.)
Materials
Overall: Doped Cotton Canvas
Inventory Number
A20160065000
Credit Line
Donated by Donald Sieurin Sr. and his son Donald Peter Sieurin
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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