AIRCRAFT COLOURS AND MARKINGS OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR ERA

139th Aero Sqn. USAS


Formed at Kelly Field, Texas on 21 September 1917, the 139th arrived in England on 5 March 1918 and then went to France where they equipped with the SPAD XIII. On 30 June 1918 they became part of the 2nd Pursuit Group. They were credited with 34 victories and had seven aces within their ranks, including David Putnam, who was the leading American ace until his death on 12 September. At that time he had 13 confirmed and a further 16 unconfirmed victories.

The unit insignia was a 'Winged Mercury'. In common with other USAS squadrons, flights were differentiated by coloured cowls. These being in white, blue or red for A, B or C Flights


.


SPAD XIII S.15137
1/Lt David Putnam
-
Source: Aerodrome Modeler 4/4

SPAD XIII
1/Lt John J Quinn
-
Source: OTF 7/2: 176

SPAD XIII S.4606
1/Lt Raymond Seevers
Postwar
Source: OTF 7/2: 178