U.S. 166 & 183 Aero

[Cliff]

I was making a list of the various aircraft and insignia of the U.S. Aero squadrons but couldn't find anything on the 166th Bombardment Sqn. and the 183rd Detachment.
Does anyone have any info on their aircraft or markings?
Thanks in advance.

Cliff

Hi Cliff, this is Cliff Presley.

I do not believe the 183rd Aero Squadron was ever assigned to the Front; however, if any one can correct me please do so.

The 166th Aero Squadron was a day bombardment squadron. It was assigned to the lst Day Bombardment Group, lst Army, 20 September 1918, and reached the Front at Maulan about 25 September 1918. The squadron engaged in operations in the Argonne-Meuse, lst & 2nd offensives. It accomplished 11 war missions and bombing raids into German territory, fought off many German attacks and received official confirmation for 6 victories. It suffered 4 casualties, consisting of 1 killed and 3 wounded. It ceased operations on 7 April 1919.

If you have access to a copy of, AVIATION BADGES AND INSIGNIA OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY 1913-1946, by J. Duncan Campbell (out of print), there is a very nice drawing of the 166th Aero Squadron insignia on page 74. The insignia was the sun with a wing on each side, each made from an American Flag. In the foreground was a map of Europe (with Germany distinctly marked) with a hand armed with an aerial bomb hovering over it about to drop the bomb.

Best Wishes,
cp