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AV8 ACE
AV8 Ace "Death Card" 116th Aero Squadron Vintage T
AV8 Ace "Death Card" 116th Aero Squadron Vintage T
Regular price
$32.00 USD
Regular price
Sale price
$32.00 USD
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The 116th Aero Squadron traces its origins to August 1917 at Kelly Field, Texas, during the rapid expansion of American military aviation in World War I. After basic military and aviation support training, the squadron deployed overseas through Canada and England before arriving in France at the end of 1917. Initially assigned to major aviation support and construction duties at Romorantin and later Colombey-les-Belles, the squadron helped build and operate critical air depots and logistical infrastructure for the American Expeditionary Forces. Redesignated as the 637th Aero Squadron during the war, its personnel performed essential supply, transportation, engineering, and operational support functions that enabled the growing U.S. Air Service to sustain combat operations on the Western Front.
Following World War I, the squadron’s lineage continued through the 116th Observation Squadron, federally recognized in 1924 in Spokane, Washington. Flying early aircraft such as the Curtiss JN-4 Jenny, the unit became a pioneering National Guard aviation organization, with members often building facilities and maintaining aircraft through local support and personal dedication. In the 1930s, the squadron conducted important aerial survey missions over the Columbia River, providing valuable reconnaissance and mapping data that contributed to the planning and construction of the massive Grand Coulee Dam project.
During World War II, the 116th was activated for federal service shortly before the attack on Pearl Harbor and assigned to coastal defense duties along the Pacific Northwest. Flying antisubmarine patrols and homeland defense missions from bases including Gray Field at Fort Lewis, Washington, the squadron helped protect the American West Coast during a period of heightened concern over Japanese naval activity. As the war expanded, many experienced pilots and personnel from the 116th were reassigned throughout the Army Air Forces to help train and lead newly formed combat units. Though eventually disbanded in 1943, the squadron’s wartime service reflected the growing importance of National Guard aviation units in supporting America’s global air war effort.
The tri-blend fabric creates a vintage, fitted look. And extreme durability makes this t-shirt withstand repeated washings and still remain super comfortable.
• 50% polyester, 25% combed ring-spun cotton, 25% rayon
• Fabric weight: 3.4 oz/yd² (115.3 g/m²)
• Pre-shrunk for extra durability
• 40 singles
• Regular fit
• Side-seamed construction
• Blank product sourced from Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, or the US
Disclaimer: The fabric is slightly sheer and may appear see-through, especially in lighter colors or under certain lighting conditions.
Following World War I, the squadron’s lineage continued through the 116th Observation Squadron, federally recognized in 1924 in Spokane, Washington. Flying early aircraft such as the Curtiss JN-4 Jenny, the unit became a pioneering National Guard aviation organization, with members often building facilities and maintaining aircraft through local support and personal dedication. In the 1930s, the squadron conducted important aerial survey missions over the Columbia River, providing valuable reconnaissance and mapping data that contributed to the planning and construction of the massive Grand Coulee Dam project.
During World War II, the 116th was activated for federal service shortly before the attack on Pearl Harbor and assigned to coastal defense duties along the Pacific Northwest. Flying antisubmarine patrols and homeland defense missions from bases including Gray Field at Fort Lewis, Washington, the squadron helped protect the American West Coast during a period of heightened concern over Japanese naval activity. As the war expanded, many experienced pilots and personnel from the 116th were reassigned throughout the Army Air Forces to help train and lead newly formed combat units. Though eventually disbanded in 1943, the squadron’s wartime service reflected the growing importance of National Guard aviation units in supporting America’s global air war effort.
The tri-blend fabric creates a vintage, fitted look. And extreme durability makes this t-shirt withstand repeated washings and still remain super comfortable.
• 50% polyester, 25% combed ring-spun cotton, 25% rayon
• Fabric weight: 3.4 oz/yd² (115.3 g/m²)
• Pre-shrunk for extra durability
• 40 singles
• Regular fit
• Side-seamed construction
• Blank product sourced from Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, or the US
Disclaimer: The fabric is slightly sheer and may appear see-through, especially in lighter colors or under certain lighting conditions.
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