The Fredericksburg Memorial Military Museum

CATALOG G1985-011 AEF Air Corp Collection

Russle Brown Howard SN 25340

WWI 1916-1917: Air Service, 1st Observation Gp, 50th Aero Sqdrn. Mechanic, AEF

Service in France: Jan. 9, 1918 - May 7, 1919.
Born: May 26, 1896
Died:Putney, VT. 1986
Enlisted: October 28, 1917, Putney, VT.
Discharged: may 19, 1919. Age:21
Civilian Occupation: Gunsmith, Auto Mech..

Acquired: 1985

Donations: Ms. Janet Goddard, Mr. John F. Hawkins, Mr. Harry Gassett

Enlisted at Ft. Slocm, trained at Kelly Field NY, Assigned to 50th Aero Sq.

Arrived camp in England, Trained on planes at Camp Harlaxton until July. Arrive France July 14, 1918. Arrived Gondrecourt, assigned Liberty DH-4s Aug. 3, 1918. Began operations in Sept.

Operating with squadron in Argonne Campaign. Included flying from time to time.

Nov. 11, 1918 Armistice signed, position at Clermount.

Civilian Occupation: Ran a gas station near Putney Vt. until his death. Featured a trained bear among other things. Uniform was originally purchased from Mr. Howard then, traded to Stars & Bars where we acquired it, intact.

ACCESSION LIST.

  1. Wool tunic with US Air Service patch, US and Signal Corps collar brass. 2 overseas stripes, Sgt. Chevrons, Hon. Discharge Stripe.
  2. Wool Trousers.
  3. Wool Overcoat
  4. Wool EM shirt.
  5. Pennant.
  6. Souvenir 37mm Shell with Squadron Symbol painted on it.
  7. Wool leg wraps
  8. Wool leg wraps
  9. Wooden crate with 1919 newspaper lining the box (for uniform storage).
  10. 50th Aero Squadron history (from US Archives)
  11. Documentation
  12. Photographs
  13. Misc. Documentation
  14. Named haversack.
  15. Dog tags
  16. Flying Goggles
  17. Civil War Canteen.
  18. 50th Aero Squadron Reunion Material / Photos
  19. Squadron Regimental History (Original)