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This flying vest was worn by Lt. Lewis Webster while participating on the aerial bombing test in the Chesapeake Bay in 1921. The 1st Provisional Air Brigade commanded by Gen. Billy Mitchell demonstrated the value of aircraft attacking surface warships. Webster piloted a Martin MB-10 and flew numerous strikes against submarines, destroyers, and most notability the U.S.S. Alabama. The back of the vest was signed by various members of the 1st Provisional Air Brigade.

 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 United States of America Type PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Flight Clothing Physical Description United States Army Air Service (USAAS) pilot's flying vest; light tan exterior shell with a light brown linen lining; nine buttons down front; a winged American roundel insignia hand drawn in black, red, and blue ink; 62 names of members of the 1st Provisional Air Brigade printed and/or signed on the back of the vest. Dimensions Clothing: 59.1 × 51.8 × 3.8cm (23 1/4 × 20 3/8 × 1 1/2 in.)
 Materials Leather
Natural Fabric
Natural Thread
Plastic
Ink
 Inventory Number A20100257000 Credit Line Bequest from the Arthur L. Webster Estate Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.