Navy Curtiss Flying Boat NC-2

17 Jun 20:

We are the excited new owners of this photo of the Navy Curtiss Flying Boat NC-2, the first photo we have seen of her afloat. She is shown in an early configuration, with 4 motors in tractor/pusher tandem configuration on the wings, the early propellers with the large roots and the pilot pod suspended above the hull. NC-2 did not make the Transatlantic crossing attempt, but arguably played the most important role because she donated parts to the other Nancies just prior to their 8 May 1919 departure. (Photo dated 4.21.'19)

Log of NC-4.

NC-4 Refueling and Another Wooden Boat

19 Oct 19:

NC-4 refueling from her support ship in Lisbon, during the 1919 transatlantic flight. The gents in the boat look pretty dandy.

Log of NC-4

NC-4 Medal First Across

08 Apr 19:

The NC-4 Medal was first awarded as a non-portable medal on 9 February 1929, to the crew of the NC-4 flying boat for their successful completion of the first transatlantic airplane flight. This medal measured 2 1/2 inches in diameter and was struck in 14 karat gold. Later on 25 April 1935, a bronze miniature, the same size as a full size campaign medal, was authorized for wear on the uniform.

The Navy Curtiss flying boats were organized as a Division and placed under the command of Commander John H. Towers. The three planes were scheduled to attempt the first transatlantic airplane flight on 8 May 1919. Navigational errors and rough seas prevented NC-1 and NC-3 from completing the flight from Rockaway Beach, Long Island to Plymouth, England.

The NC-4 medal was awarded as follows:
Commander John H. Towers, USN
Lt. Commander Albert C. Read, USN
Lt. Elmer F. Stone, USCG
Lt. Walter Hinton, USN
Lt. James L. Breese, USN
Ensign Herbert C. Rodd, USNRF
Chief Machinist Mate Eugene S. Rhoads, USNRF

The red, white and blue represents the colors of the United States, while the green and red bars represent the colors of Portugal.

NC-4 ribbon found in Pensacola, Florida antique mall. Acquired 2019.

FMI: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NC-4_Medal