Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

This is an example of dress uniform aiguillette issued to officers of the Regia Aeronautica during World War II.

These particular insignia were awarded to 2nd Lt. Felice Figus of the 53rd Stormo. He received his first pilot's license at Elmas airport in Sardinia (currently the largest airport in Sardinia). Lt. Figus was a front line fighter pilot and saw extensive service in the North African campaign, the fight for Malta, spent 6 months on the Eastern front, flew during the Sicily campaign, and in Caselle Torinese (Turin Region) in 1943. Following his service during World War II, he continued his flying career becoming an airline captain from 1947 to 1952 working for Linee Aeree Italiane (LAI). LAI was a joint venture between TWA and the newly formed Italian government in 1947. In 1952 Figus joined Alitalia and became the chief pilot with the Italian flag carrier. During his flying career, Capt. Figus amassed over 28,000 flying hours.

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

Object Details
Country of Origin Italy Type PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Accessories Manufacturer Ve De Me Milano, Italy
Physical Description Gold braid Regia Aeronautica gold braid aiguillette; gold colored bobbles on end; blue cord braided in to the gold; one safety pin. Dimensions 3-D: 44.5 x 39.1 x 2.9cm (17 1/2 x 15 3/8 x 1 1/8 in.)
Materials Gold Bullion
Brass
Natural Fabric
Steel
Inventory Number A20110394000 Credit Line Gift of the Figus Family, in memory of Capt. Felice Figus Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.