Pilot Edward Gardner's aviation face mask

Eddie Gardner, American, 1888 - 1921 · 1918-1919

Pilot Eddie Gardner wore this leather face mask while flying mail for the Post Office Department’s airmail service from August 1918 to April 1919. While flying for the Department, Gardner piloted at least three different types of aircraft, including the Curtiss JN-4H “Jenny,” the Standard JR-1, and the Curtiss R-4. Each of these biplanes had open cockpits that left pilots exposed to frigid weather conditions.