91st Aero Squadron DUI?

[PFFF]

Anyone have a good picture of the 91st Aero Squadron DUI?

[FOKKERJ]

Originally Posted by PFFF

Anyone have a good picture of the 91st Aero Squadron DUI?

Hello PFFF,

I didn't know that DUI (Driving Under the Influence) was much of an issue back then!

HAPPY TRAILS, FOKKERJ

Sorry that I can't help you out on this one, but I couldn't resist.

[flypaper]

I have a copy of the late J.M. Massaro's book "Distinctive Insignia of the U.S.Army Air Forces 1924-1947", looking through it there is a picture of the 91st Reconnaissance Squadron which was based on the WWI 91st Observation Squadron insignia from WWI, the photo is to small to be of any use. Information on the insignia from the book....

It was approved as an aircraft marking on 12 Feb. 1924 but was never approved for use as a DUI. M.S.Meyer did produce the insignia during the early stages of WWII, It was worn even though it was not officially approved. Size 25x43mm ASMIC# 91A1. A mounted knight in armor chasing a devil. Grey armor, green shield with a black patriarchal cross piped in white, yellow plume, brown spear, black horse.red devil with brown fork. That is the official description. The DUI manufactured by Meyer had the knights shield bearing the numerals 91 instead of the patriarchal cross as mentioned in the official description.

The DRAWING of the 91st I have attached comes from Dept. of the Air Force book "Combat Squadrons of the Air Force World War II", and shows the insignia as originally described in Massaro's book.

Flypaper.

[flypaper]

From what I've seen from photos of the 91st during WWI the diamond shaped background with sky and ground were not used, this may have been something that the Meyer Co. when it made its DUI during WWII may have added to give the rider and devil something to "sit" on.(my "hunch" no proof). Also, as always, everyone had a chance to add a personal touch to his a/c, as can be seen on this ace pilots 91st insignia.

[StephenLawson]

We at the Lafayette Foundation have a section of aircraft fabric with the insignia on it.

[flypaper]

Originally Posted by StephenLawson

We at the Lafayette Foundation have a section of aircraft fabric with the insignia on it.

How close to the Massaro/US Air Forces book description does your copy come? Is it possible to post a picture of it or perhaps description?

[Croix de Guerre]

Check out Terry Morris's book; "United States Army Air Service Wing Badges - Uniforms and Insignia 1913 - 1918". He illustrates AEF squadron insignia, although in black and white and not very much detail. As a side note, to the best of my knowledge if you scored a victory in the 91st, it would/could be represented by a small iron cross on the knight's shield.

[flypaper]

Originally Posted by Thomas Fife

Check out Terry Morris's book; "United States Army Air Service Wing Badges - Uniforms and Insignia 1913 - 1918". He illustrates AEF squadron insignia, although in black and white and not very much detail. As a side note, to the best of my knowledge if you scored a victory in the 91st, it would/could be represented by a small iron cross on the knight's shield.

OK now I can see here's where things start to get muddy. PFF originally asked for a picture of a 91st DUI (Distinctive Unit Insignia). According to Mr.Massaro, who is considered the guru of DUI's no such official DUI exists.

As far as I can put it together..

1.The 91st used the Knight and Devil insignia alone (no sky or ground background) painted on the flank of what ever a/c they were using in France, AR, Salmson, and Spad XIII. colors as described in US Army Air Force publication but with a blank shield so that any kills could be painted on it.

I presume the ok for this insignia was granted by A.E.F. Headquarters, a step which had to be taken by all flying units wishing to use a squadron insignia.

See Pic 1-2-*3-

*3 -Spad XIII of the 91st with a personal touch on the shield !

2. In 1924 the design was further approved for us on the 91st aircraft but this time by Army Headquarters. The Army has a heraldry division who approve or disapprove any insignia that will be used by the US Army, Since the war was over the blank shield which was used as a score board now was to carry the patriarchal cross instead. Even though the insignia was approved for use on the 91st aircraft it was not approved for use as a DUI.

This may also be the point in time the sky and ground background may have been added along with the shape of the background.

See Pic 4

3. During the early stages of WWII the DUI manufacturer M.S.Meyer of NY made a pin back 91st DUI to be worn unofficially by the members of the 91st. Meyers took the shield and replaced the cross with the numbers 91 to denote the unit.

See Pic 5

As a US Army Aviation DUI collector I have seen MANY 91st DUI's for sale on Ebay for under $20.00, very hard to believe since the original unapproved DUI was very uncommon to start with.

[flypaper]

The 91st is still active 70+ years later and it still uses the original insignia from WWI, today it is an Unmaned Recon Squadron and flies URV's. Below is the "new" 91st insignia patch.