Dated January 13, 1919, while Swaab was reportedly with the American Third Army advancing into Germany. Proud papa atrributes his son's luck to papa's name on the side of his plane. In Kneen's interview after the war, Swaab admitted he also carried a 150-year old sheet of paper that prevented bad luck and kept people from catching smallpox in the past. I guess it worked. Swaab never caught influenza! Also, he carried a 20-franc gold piece with "Republique de la France" scored out and his name and "13" engraved.
The conquering hero returns home.
Here Swaab presents a model Spad to Fiorello Laguardia, who at this time was a congressman for the state of New York. Laguardia was a progressive New Dealer, who wanted to repeal immigration quotas on Italians, Jews, and other nationalities. He also saw flying service on the Italian front. The scene looks like it's on the steps of the City Hall in New York, with other veteran pilots behind them, judging by their lapel pins.
