South King News

As 2nd Lt. Walston B. Ten Eyck of the 96th Aero Squadron prepared for a bombing mission on October 27, 1918, he was unaware of the challenges ahead. Alongside Lt. Arthur Newell as Observer, they flew their Bréguet XIV near Birquenay, France, where they encountered German fighters attacking from behind. Despite being shot down a week earlier and surviving to fly again, this day brought intensified combat.

Their aircraft sustained twenty-five enemy bullet hits, igniting the gasoline tank and wounding Ten Eyck. Nevertheless, he managed a safe landing and swiftly used his knife to cut out the squadron insignia from the plane's side. He folded the fabric and pocketed it. Once home, Ten Eyck framed the insignia, which remained in his family for over a century before being passed to his granddaughter Elizabeth.

The Ten Eyck family has now donated this "devil" insignia along with letters, photographs, clippings, and materials related to the 96th Aero Squadron to a museum collection. Remarkably, crease lines in the aircraft fabric are still visible—a testament to an intense moment in World War I aviation history.

Walton B. Ten Eyck received the Distinguished Service Cross for his extraordinary heroism during that action in 1918.