Chris Liontas

mini's closeup

Medal bar. Major Sussan won awards for participation in: 1- WWI 2 - Flying against the Bolsheviks in 1919 helping "white" Russian forces 3 - Flying against the Turks for the Greeks in the early 20's 4 - Flying for the French against the Riffs He claimed 19 Kills during all this time, although I am not sure that holds water.

Close ups -- the MAJ became an RNAF pilot, and flew carrier based missions with the Royal Navy in the Med during the war. At one point he was invalided out for "nervous exhaustion" The brown uniform is Morrocan made, and corresponds to his Riff War service.

Hi all! I posted this on the US Militaria forum for a friend. Scott Kraska turned this up at the MAX show this year. This is without a doubt, one of, if not the most RARE uniforms in existance. I'm copying my post there, as I am lazy. I wanted you all to see it though. It is an insane ensamble, to a mercenary's mercenary. The Riff War is a little known subject and the story of the Second Escadrille American is something even fewer people know of. With only 17 members this all American squadron it is possibly the rarest US Aviators grouping one could imagine. It was purchased from the family in Detroit about 1980 and has never been publically shown until now. This uniform, medal and insignia grouping belonged to Major Walter J. Sussan. He learned to fly at the Wright Brothers training school in 1915 and joined the Military in 1915 and was send to England where he became Royal Naval Air Service Pilot #1. He fought in Europe and in the Aegean being mentioned in dispatches and receiving the Croix de Guerre and the Greek Military Cross. After the War he fought against the Bolsheviks in Russia, being awarded the Order of St. George. In 1922 he left College and fought for the Greek Government against the Turks earning the Order of the Redeemer. In 1925 Sultan of Morocco was faced with the possibility of being overthrown and the French and Spanish Governments were trying to intercede. During the post War period, France had let her Air Force go fallow and there was a real shortage of Pilots. Charles Sweeney of Lafayette Flying Corps fame wanted to create a second Lafayette Escadrille, calling Pilots from the Lafayette Flying Corps and Escadrille to join. In the end, 17 Pilots volunteered, including many who were not original members of the Corps, for the Escadrille Amercain, later called the Escadrille Cherifienne. These Pilots flew Breguet Bombers against ground forces and targets, bombing and strafing the Enemy. The group consists of his Moroccan made tunic and cap, which bear the 5 pointed star of the Sultan of Morocco. His French wings adorn his right pocket and his French Legion of Honor his right side. In addition you can see the miniatures and full size medals, some with boxes, His Canadian RNAS badges and engraved breast wing, Escradrille Cherifienne photo ID card, 2 photo albums documenting his service as well as portrait photos, Squadron photo and shots of his Legion of Honor Presentation. His silk scarf, Sam Brown belt and goggles are also present as are many other interesting items.

Wow Prosper! That is an amazing group. You cant see to many of these anymore. Did he take part in the battle of Paris? I dont know how widespread the fighting was in the city

Wow, I wonder when it was the first time we discussed this? It had to have been ten years ago. In that time, I wonder how many people have been burned by these, and the U-boat badges with Diamonds.

awesome Chris!! Congrats!

Nice catch!! This is actually Normal Archibald's SPAD XIII. Several of us have gone through the records of the 95th Aero Squadron, and determined that this is Archiblad's SPAD. The interesting thing about it, is the SPAD is in good shape. This directly conflicts with Norman's account of his being shot down by ground fire in 1918!! His account has him crashing in spectacular fasion, wrecking the SPAD. Discussing this with Alan Tolle, Alan states that when he interviewed Norman, he would not talk about his being shot down except to reference his book. A possible fabrication? Embellishment? :)

Thanks for the comments guys! Les, thank you for the history on this group! I did not know the exact history of how James Parks recieved these medals. From what I had been told, he was given them. The information you provide shines a little more light. Andy is convinced they were given, but now it appears they were bought. Do you know how they were sold? Was it individualy, or via an auction?

ok one more shot just for fun! Happy weekend everyone

whew I am tired now. I look forward to the replies here. I am very interested to know what everyone thinks. I have my own opinion, after starting this thread, but I will save it until later :)

calling card.

closeup on the book cover

Much better than any regular PLM debate, LT Jacobs log book!! Now this I could spend hours reading. I believe it was translated for Cross and Cockade, but I dont know the year

doc 2

Award document (photo of LT Jacobs in 1978 I think)

back

Number three front

yet another

two

PLM on the uniform

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2011/post-948-0-42390200-1314936165.jpgback (now again I claim no opinion on originality. I just know where it came from)

shot 2

Photos of the PLM mentioned with the Hohenzollern crown

The last photo did not load, note again the history (last paragraph) of the information on Jacobs