SWAAB'S Medals and decorations

Aerowallah · 15 November 2009, 09:51 AM

The famous photo of Swaab's "Mayer III" in the snow at Souilly sporting the rarely seen "kill markings" for his confirmed tally of 10. Swaab claimed 17 victories, but only 10 were officially confirmed by the three required independent observers. Several kills were far inside German lines.

Officers pose with their top scorer Swaab's Spad "Mayer III"--Crissey on the left. Toelle notes that white outlines have now been added to the victory crosses encircling the shooting star some time after the famous photo of Swaab's ship in the snow, above.

Aerowallah · 15 November 2009, 10:21 AM

Swaab's Aero Club Medal, probably issued in late 1918. Early in the war the Club committed to presenting a medal to "every Allied flyer" but somewhere must have ran out of money. I've seen a handful to highly decorated pilots and some to obscure recipients, but a relatively small number next to their original commitment.

jaba-the-hunt · 15 November 2009, 10:44 AM

Outstanding group John. Realy a great purchase.
I love this pictures.

Regards Alex

Aerowallah · 15 November 2009, 10:46 AM

I don't have Swaab's Aero Club Medal certificate, but I have another example and I'd like to share what a wonderful lurid piece of art it is...what with angels busy chucking bombs, succouring babies, and nasty vipers standing in for the beastly hun...

I think O'Neal could really pump up sales if he painted a few of these avenging honeys with Maxims blazing.

ONEALM · 15 November 2009, 10:55 AM

Thnaks for posting the group John - it's spectacular..

Quote:

I think O'Neal could really pump up sales if he painted a few of these
avenging honeys with Maxims blazing

If only....

Aerowallah · 15 November 2009, 11:04 AM

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.

Aerowallah · 15 November 2009, 11:28 AM

Nice obligatory studio shot before he puts his uniform on eBay! You can see his new squadron pin, but no medals yet...that's the subject of the second half of this saga...

Aerowallah · 15 November 2009, 12:24 PM

Meanwhile, working its way through the system is Brooks' application for a Medal of Honor for Swaab dated April 1, 1919 for "particular deeds." Referenced are Swaab's actions on September 8, 28, October 23, 27, 29 and 31st--the largest narrative being devoted to Swaab's first flight.

These are copies of extant documents in the NASM.

Aerowallah · 15 November 2009, 12:29 PM

Forwarded, recommending approval...by the Chief of Staff, A.S. U.S.A.

Another affidavit focusing on the September 8 action taken in Washington, DC, two months later.

Aerowallah · 15 November 2009, 12:58 PM

And then this testimony a week later, from the 22nd's new CO, back with the squadron at Mitchell Field, Long Island.

Can anyone comment whether TYndall's statement, or its necessity in this process seems odd? With the emphasis on Swaab's first flight in Brooks' MOH application one might wonder whether it was pilot skill or luck that got Swaab through, especially as he was inexperienced. But this letter rates Swaab as to his present or overall skill as a pilot, except that 2nd graph that references his test pilot work, an opinion in some dispute.

Any intuition about what might be happening to this application? Because that's all there is in the NASM file, except for the following colorful report by Swaab, attached to the Brooks file, which covers all the actions Brooks references....