Rickenbacker's Medallion

[Copperhead]

???I asked in the Revell SPAD XIII thread if anyone knew what exactly the medallion on the side of his plane was. I have several books on Rickenbacker's planes and his life. One is a very old auto-biography that doesn't even mention the medallion. He talked about everything in his life but his plane. I can understand this from a soldiers point of view, as things such as colors and markings are JUST THERE. The only reason I can remember the serial no. of my first tank, is because it meant so much to me. But some of the others, forget it. Does anyone have any thoughts on this subject? The medallion is VERY prominent in the starboard side photos, and will be equally prominent in 1/28. John

Copperhead,

I wish I could help but all the photos I have either show the other side or Rick is standing in front of it....isn't it on the decal sheet?

You might email DanSan.

[StephenLawson]

Scottish Right Mason's Medallion?

Is that like the standard (if the is one) Mason's Med., a divider etc ?

Was Rickenbacker a Mason?

[StephenLawson]

Yes he was (a Mason.) A high rated one I'm told. You'll be suprised to learn who was.

If you haven't already checked The Hat in the Ring Gang by Charles Woolley you may find it helpful. I don't recall that it has a photo with the medallion (just because I didn't catch it doesn't mean it's not there), but there are many other good photos and drawings that might be useful to you.

Also, yes, he was a high-ranked Mason as of the mid-1960's, but I have no idea if he was affiliated with them at the time of the Great War.
- Vern

[Copperhead]

???KK. I don't know which way to turn now. I've found several references in other books, and even a photo of the right side of the plane showing it. The medallion is just below the cockpit, and seems to touch 2 formers. It deffinately has to be (IMHO) at least 3-4 inches in diameter(just guessing, but it's awfully big). I've found a reference in several books that say a St. Christopher medallion. I've got several friends who are Catholic, and thier medallions are only like 1-2 inches in diameter. What would be the size of the Mason's medallion? My father was a Mason, but he never talked about this? One thing I can tell from the pic, is that it is square across the top. Any ideas? john

I would not be suRprized at who is a Mason. I know many Masons. My Grandpa was a Mason.

But since it is a "Secret " organization, I really find it hard to believe that anyone would "Advertise".

[StephenLawson]

Today that may be true, but in 1918 most people would'nt have known the diffference between a Mason's Medallion or a manufacturers plate.

[Copperhead]

Been offline with a few 'puter problems till today. Done some research and I'm contacting some Masons to see if they can ID the medallion. NOW IT"S NOT FOR THE MODEL BUT FOR ME! I JUST GOTS TA KNOW! Here's what I've found in the interim, 1) it was also on the side of his Nieu. 28, No. 12, the "Liberty Loan Poster" plane; 2) it was also on the side of the No. 1, Nieu.28 that was permanantly assigned to squadron C.O. Major Huffer ( at least when Capt. Edy flew this plane,which seems he borrowed it often). 3) the best thing I have of a close-up, shows hollow spaces on the top and bottom of the medallion.
To elaborate on the pics they're in the book "Medal of Honor Aviators of WWI", by Alan E. Durkota. The pic that caught my eye was the pic of Capt. Eddy boresighting Maj. Huffer's No.1. He's looking back at the camera, and 'Lo and Behold!', there just below the cockpit is his medallion, on Huffers plane! This seems to mean it was used as a good luck charm, and was apparently removable. The other close-up (loosly, very loosly) shows the hollow spaces where the camo color of the plane shows through. I'll keep you posted on what I find out as it's really bugging me, that something apparrently so simple, is so hard. John