322nd Aero Squadron

OB'98 · 13 April 2007, 06:04 PM

Does anyone have data on the 322nd Aero Squadron? Thanks.

Der Grüne Flieger · 13 April 2007, 06:38 PM

Herb

What kind of data are you looking for?

Phil

OB'98 · 14 April 2007, 02:02 PM

Thanks for the reply. I have a WW1 Uniform with a large winged prop patch on the sleeve and with the rimless eagle buttons. Accompanying it is a photo with a caption of 322nd Aero Squadron, Squadron C. The uniform is missing the collar discs but I believe it to be from the 322nd. I would like to have more info about the 322nd to put with the uniform. I would also like to buy collar discs for it but don't know if they would be the winged prop design or if they would have 322 on them. Any help appreciated. Thanks.

Der Grüne Flieger · 14 April 2007, 07:05 PM

Herb,

This question of yours has got my interest. No luck running down the squadron so far, I have seen everything but the 322. A couple of stupid questions, are you sure you have the number down right, it is 322. We are talking about a US squadron, right? Third, do you know what kind of squadron? Does the picture show what planes they were flying?

Phil

OB'98 · 14 April 2007, 07:31 PM

Thanks again. I am going to try my hand at posting a photo or two. One photo is of the Squadron name etc. made out of white painted rocks. I enlarged the 322nd name and inset it on the photo for your viewing. It looks like 322nd to me. The second photo is of the sleeve patch on the uniform. Thanks,

Der Grüne Flieger · 15 April 2007, 06:45 PM

Herb,

Here is what I have;

1) If you look at the patch you see a four bladed propeller, which makes me think it might not be a WW1 pic and uniform. Secondly, if you look at the picture you see below the 322nd designation a grouping of rocks that appear to me to be a winged number 8. If this is true, I found a website http://members.aol.com/brimiljeep/We...hAAF2Page.html which shows the 322nd to be a Bomb Squadron, part of the 91st Bomb Group, 8th AF based in Bassingbourn, England. As you probably know the Mighty 8th was formed in '42, so the timeline doesn't work. What makes you think the picture and uniform are from the Great War?

2) I sent a couple of emails out requesting info on the 322nd to a couple of gov't history sites. One guy replied and said, "It definitely was not a combat squadron in France. You might wish to contact the Air Force Museum in Dayton to see what information it might have on the unit." I won't have time to do that. I'll relay anything I get to you but I'm not sure what will turn up. In the course of searching I saw squadrons numbering into the 1100's, so there is certianly a chance that the 322nd is among them. The problem is every time I did a specifc search for 332, nothing came back.

In case you are wondering, I'm in Upstate NY, where all the snow and rain is so this was a perfect way to spend a Sat. afternoon. I also love this needle in a haystack stuff. I just wish I had better info for you.

Good Luck,
Phil

OB'98 · 15 April 2007, 07:35 PM

Here is a full view photo of the uniform with the patches and buttons pictured in the insets. It is definitely a WW1 pattern but I am thinking it may even Pre-date WW1....perhaps Mexican Border War of 1916???? I think this pattern tunic dates to 1910. If it was not for the buttons I would believe it to be definitely WW1, but all the WW1 tunics I have noticed have the 1902 RIMMED buttons. As you can see, this has the RIMLESS buttons. I am not sure the meaning of the chevrons on the left sleeve. Could the chevrons on the lower part of the sleeve be overseas designations? Regarding the image of the winged white rocks....it does appear to be a flying 8, but I believe it to be a winged, two bladed prop. I really appreciate your efforts to help me ID this uniform. I also have the pants with it and the great coat or overcoat with the same winged patch on it, however, the overcoat has the 1902 pattern RIMMED buttons. So it could be WW1 outfit with the tunic being of older manufacture than the overcoat. You may notice too that the original image I posted of the winged prop patch is of the patch on the overcoat. You can see the patch on the tunic is slightly different. That could mean a time difference between the issue date of the tunic and of the great coat? I look forward to your next post! Regards.

ONEALM · 16 April 2007, 05:41 AM

Herb -

The 322nd was organized 20 Feb 1918 at Kelly Field #1 by 2/Lt. CA Marone. A very brief description of the unit which suggests it was a flying formation without saying so, appears in the book Kelly Field in the Great War. You may a find a copy on ABEBOOKS.com and occassionally one shows up on EBAY. The very same photo you posted of the tent row appears in this book along with a shot of the enlisted personel.

The sleeve insignia are: Red chevron - discharge stripe Silver chevrons: one for each 6 months of overseas service.

If your man was a member of the 322nd, it was Stateside - the unit di not go overseas.

Not sure about the button patterns - that's out of my area of expertise. The winged propeller however looks very much like an enlsited pilots wing, possibly French made.

Hopefully, that'll get you going in the right direction.
-Mike

OB'98 · 16 April 2007, 06:54 AM

Thank you very much for the info on the 322nd. I now have a toe-hold! PS: I have found a tailor's tag in the pants and the uniform was made in Chicago. Do you know where Kelly Field was located? Regards

ONEALM · 16 April 2007, 07:15 AM

Herb -

Kelly was in San Antonio, Tx, used mainly as a primary training field. The field was declared operational on 11 August 1917 and graduated as best we can figure, 1,666 pilots.

The tailors tag probably means you man was from Chicago. Let me know if you manage to come up with anything else.....

Keep at it,
-Mike