Named WWI Pilot DSC Recipient Uniform Group

The named uniform group of a World War I Army Air Service aviator who was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for exceptional valor against the enemy in 1918. The uniform is that of Lieutenant Alexander P. Schenck, who flew with the 49th Aero Squadron and who was credited with three aerial victories in combat. The uniform is comprised of the tailor made tunic and breeches, together with leather boots, leather puttees, Sam Brown officer belt, dog tags and portrait photograph.

The uniform tunic has the interior tailor’s label of a Louisville clothier. Written inside of the left sleeve is the name of “Lieut. Alexander Schenck”. On the collar are officer’s winged propeller and “U.S.R.” insignia. Silver Lieutenant bars are on the shoulder straps. On the left shoulder is a multi-piece First Army patch made with a large black wool “A” sew to an olive wool rectangle which is turn was sewn to the shoulder of the uniform. On the lower left sleeve is a single overseas stripe. On the left breast is the large bullion wing of an Army Air Service pilot. Below the wing are the individual ribbons for the Distinguished Service Cross, the French Croix de Guerre with star, and the World War I Victory Medal with four campaign stars (it appears that there was a fifth star which is missing). Pinned below the ribbons is the Croix de Guerre itself.

The tunic is accompanied by the matching breeches, the Sam Brown belt, leather puttees, and leather riding boots. The uniform shows signs of having been worn, but it is in excellent condition. The ribbons show signs of wear, particularly the DSC ribbon.

The group also includes Lieutenant Schenck’s dog tags and a portrait photograph of Schenck in uniform. The photograph is within its period frame and has an overall size of approximately 9 1/2 by 13 1/2 inches, with an image size of about 6 by 9 inches.

Lieutenant Schenck’s citation for the award of the Distinguished Service Cross provided as follows:

“The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Service) Alexander P. Schenck, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 49th Aero Squadron, 2d Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., in the region of Doulcon, France, 4 October 1918. Lieutenant Schenck was one of an offensive patrol of six planes that attacked and engaged in combat 17 enemy machines (Fokker type). While he was engaging one of the enemy, he observed a comrade about to be sent down by an enemy plane that had maneuvered to an advantageous position. Lieutenant Schenck immediately left off the combat he was engaged in and shot down the plane, thereby saving the life of his comrade.”