93D Bomb Squadron WWI Heritage, 1Lt d'Olive Coin
This coin was designed and produced for the 93d Bomb Squadron at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, in honor of First Lieutenant Charles Rudolph d'Olive.
First Lieutenant Charles Rudolph d'Olive was a World War I flying ace, credited with five aerial victories. He was the last World War I aviator to be declared an ace, in 1963.
He enlisted into aviation service in Memphis during Bloody April 1917. He trained in France, and was posted to the 93rd Aero Squadron on 23 August 1918 as a SPAD S. XIII pilot. He scored the new unit's first victory on 12 September. The following day, he shot down three Fokker D. VIIs, two in conjunction with George Willard Furlow; it was an exploit that earned d'Olive the Distinguished Service Cross. He scored once more, on 18 October 1918.Ten days later, he was transferred to the 141st Aero Squadron as a Flight Commander.
2.25" x 2.4", 3D and enamel detail.