This model plane was made famous in WWI by the 94th Aero Squadron, dubbed the "Hat-in-the-Ring Gang" because of the symbol on the side of the plane. The Squadron, which included Capt Eddie Rickenbacker, the first Ace in the history of the US, recorded nearly 70 kills in WWI, more than any other squadron. After the war, Capt Eddie would found Eastern Airlines and the Hat-in-the-Ring would become the symbol of the pilots of that once proud company. My father still wears his Hat-in-the-Ring pin today.

More photos from the National Air and Space Museum, Udvar-Hazy Center can be seen at http://www.pbase.com/bobfloyd/airspace