258th Aero Squadron

[Chris Liontas]

A quick photo. Two members of the 258th Aero Squadron, plus an original panel from a aircraft of the squadron.

The panel is the symbol of the 258th Aero Squadron, a depiction of a sculpture of a lion. The insignia is entitled, " the Lion of Belfort" in honor of a prominent statue in Belfort. The 258th was stationed at Luxeuil, which was outside Belfort. The panel is an original, cut from the side of a Salmson 2A2 issued to the squadron. The Salmson was a well regarded reconnaissance aircraft, which was the original duty of the 258th. The squadron reached the front 19 September 1918, and therefor did not see much combat time. The only fliers that saw combat time, were actually assigned to British squadrons, then reassigned to the 258th.

The two uniforms in front of the panel, are two tunics of actual aviators from the squadron.

The Observer is the tunic of Lt John Anderson, who flew with the British 183rd. He was one of only five teams to see active combat before Armistice. While they did not engage enemy aircraft, AAA fire left their aircraft "riddled with holes" after several missions.

The pilot tunic is for 2LT Lyle H. Corlette who was assigned to the 258th 6 Dec 1918 and did not see combat with the squadron. He did however, fly many missions over German lines, enforcing the withdrawal of German forces after armistice.

Edited August 17, 2009 by Chris Liontas

[Chris Liontas]

Tunic of LT John Anderson. The observer wing is British made in silk (as is proper as he started with the RFC). He flew several combat missions before, and after the inception of the 258th. He is one of only five groups to see combat with the 258th.

[Chris Liontas]

Tunic of LT Lyle Corlette. He was inducted at Schenectady, NY and sent to Issoudon, France for training. The wings are French made, as is the tunic. Lt Corlette saw no combat time, however he saw much flying time (as noticed by his three chevrons) over German lines enforcing the armistice.

[Harrier]

Historic and beautiful pieces! Thanks for showing these. :beer:

[jaba1914]

outstanding aviation pieces. I realy love the tunics.

Regards Alex

[Scott]

A wonderful collection! Would love to see close-ups of the uniform insignia, wings, patches etc...

[TacHel]

WOW! Talk about beautiful and incredibly historical items! Awesome eye candy! Thanks for sharing them with us!

[Chris Liontas]

Thank you for the comments guys!

I will take and post some photos of the wings/insignia tonight. I will include some photos of some other uniforms I have in my collection also. Thanks again!