WW1 USMC Aviation Northern Bomb Group 1st Marine Aviation Force 3rd Sqd C France
I will also send an invoice. DESCRIPTION: Lots of photos below in addition to the 12 limited by E-bay. A vintage WW1 USMC grouping attributed to Sergeant Ronnell Ranf, Squadron "C" (or 9th Squadron), First Marine Aviation Force, Northern Bombing Group. It is very hard to find anything related to this unit. Sgt Ranf joined the Marine Corps in July 1917 and was then assigned to the Marine Aeronautic Company in October 1917 at Cape May, New Jersey. There he served under Marine aviator #1, Major Alfred Cunningham. Later his unit was designated the First Aviation Squadron and he was assigned to Marine Flying Field, Miami and Squadron "C" under Douglas Roben (Navy Cross winner in WW1). Sgt Ranf went to France in July 1918 with Squadron "C" later commanded by 1stLt Robert S Lytle (Navy Disntinguished Service Medal awardee for bombing raids) and operated from La Fresne near Calais. He officially received his "aviation designation" in August 1918 (retroactive to June 1918), essentially a flying crew chief (mechanic/observer/gunner). His squadron was the first to conduct the first all Marine air combat operation of the war (a raid) in October 1918. It appears he flew with some heroic pilots. The gloves that bare the Sgt's name are marked with 1stLt Don N Whiting, a Navy Cross winner for flying actions with the "C" Squadron and 1stLt George F Donovan's name.
The lot is a fresh acquisition to the market and consists of the following items: 1. Wool US Marine two pocket service shirt w/ reinforced elbows and neck area (probably done for flyers). Shirt shows honest use, some mothing and stains. (named to Sgt Ranf) 2.
Wool US Marine trousers (aluminum US MARINE CORPS round buttons) w/ web belt (pants have damage to front left side as can be seen). (pants and belt are named to Sgt Ranf) 3.
USMC "Phila Depot 1917" marked canvas spats (named to Sgt Ranf) 4. US Marine green wool puttees or leg wraps. A US Marine web belt and buckle. A veteran's cap with veteran medal and WW1 Victory Medal. Two sets of chevrons (Sgt and Cpl). A 12" x 10" frame and glass w/ photo of 1stLt Robert S Lytle, and enlisted men of Squadron C at a flying field (I've shown the famous photo of him next to his plane in France, definitely him). A pair of aviation flying gloves, kid leather (still amazingly super supple and soft) and marked "1st Lt Whiting" "Lt Donovan" Cpl W. Ranf" "Third Sqd" and "D2. It appears the gloves could have belonged to any of these men, or they were assigned to the plane (planes were numbered D1, D2, D3, etc) and everyone used them or Sgt Ranf just wrote the names of the crew he flew with on the gloves. Scrap album of news paper clippings from around March 1918 and just following the war.An item "not fitting you" is not cause for a return. I will leave feedback in return, within the allotted time given by E-bay. Please message me if you plan to leave derogatory comments or markings.
Nothing is more frustrating than never having heard from you and find you are not pleased on feedback. The item "WW1 USMC Aviation Northern Bomb Group 1st Marine Aviation Force 3rd Sqd C France" is in sale since Saturday, July 18, 2015. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Militaria\WW I (1914-18)\Original Period Items\United States\Uniforms".The seller is "vengeance35" and is located in Falls Church, Virginia. This item can be shipped worldwide.