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Archives at The Museum of Flight


United States. Army. Air Service

 Organization

Historical Note

The United States Army Air Service, also known as the "Air Service" and "U.S. Air Service," was the aerial warfare service component of the United States Army between 1918 and 1926. Established as an independent and temporary branch of the U.S. War Department during World War I, it replaced the Aviation Section, Signal Corps as the nation's air force.

In 1926, the name was changed to the Army Air Corps. This lasted until 1941, when the branch changed again to be known as Army Air Forces. The last name change in 1947 and continues present-day as Unites States Air Force.

Found in 19 Collections and/or Records:

Alan Lonsdale Patterson Papers

 Collection
Identifier: 2021-08-03-A
Overview Alan Lonsdale Patterson worked extensively in the field of aviation from the 1920s to the 1980s. Throughout his career he worked as a barnstormer, pilot and established multiple companies that facilitated the sale of aircraft and aeronautical equipment, predominately between companies based in the United States and China. The collection represents both his professional and personal life through correspondence, photographs, business records, clippings and audiovisual materials, as well as...
Dates: 1876-2021; Majority of material found within 1920-1981

Lee M. Shelton and George W. French World War II Collection

 Collection — Box One
Identifier: 2003-07-25
Contents of the Collection The collection contains materials related to Lee M. Shelton and George W. French. Both men served during World War II, though in different military branches. Shelton was part of the Army Air Forces and his materials include photographs of military personnel and activities, such as inspections and navigational procedures; correspondence and a graduation announcement for Blythville Army Air Field. French served with the Navy and his materials include photographs of naval ships, including the...
Dates: 1939-1945

John Hess Shuman Collection

 Collection
Identifier: 2015-02-03
Abstract

The collection contains the World War I diary of John Hess Shuman (1896-1972), who served as a member of the ground crew for the U.S. Army Air Service.

Dates: circa 1917-1919

Herman J. Sommerhauser World War I Photograph Album

 Collection
Identifier: 1989-12-12
Abstract

The collection contains a photograph album from the World War I career of Herman J. Sommerhauser (1895-1949), who may have served with the U.S. Army Air Service, 650th Aero Squadron in France.

Dates: 1918-1919

Edward I. Sproull Photograph Album

 Collection
Identifier: 2011-03-07
Abstract

The collection contains a World War I era scrapbook photograph album assembled by Edward I. Sproull (1897-1956) while in training at Ohio State University and subsequently serving as a pilot with the A.E.F. and the American Squadron of the French Military Air Force in France.

Dates: circa 1915-1919

Frederick Staples World War I Collection

 Collection
Identifier: 2015-07-06
Abstract

Frederick Staples (1893-1958) was born in Leighwood, Devon County, England. Staples served with the United States (U.S.) Army American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), 34th Aero Squadron, in France during World War I. The collection is comprised of a photograph album and a small amount of textual materials collected by Staples during his 1917-1919 service.

Dates: 1917-1919

J. M. Wilson Notebook

 Collection
Identifier: 1984-04-04
Abstract

J. M. Wilson served in England with the U.S. Army Air Service during World War I. His notebook contains training notes primarily on aircraft engines.

Dates: circa 1917

Peter M. Wood Boeing Family Film Collection

 Collection
Identifier: 2004-07-28
Overview

William E. Boeing was an aviation pioneer who founded The Boeing Company in 1916. The Peter M. Wood Boeing Family Film Collection contains six films, primarily home movies of Boeing family members, from about 1930-1940.

Dates: circa 1930s-1940s

Col. Frank Wilbur Wright Collection

 Collection
Identifier: 1986-01-02
Abstract

Frank Wilbur Wright (1886-1950) of Portland, Oregon spent most of his adult life in the military, with service spanning the Oregon Naval Militia, Oregon National Guard, U.S. Army Air Service, Air Corps, and Air Force, and both World Wars. The collection contains commissions, photographs, identification cards, and other materials relating to Wright's long military career.

Dates: 1911-1945

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