Hap and Tink, 1936

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Brig. Gen. Henry Arnold had had his first star for just under a year when, as commander of the 1st Bomb Wing, he posed with base CO Lt. Col. Clarence Tinker at Hamilton Field, CA, on January 10, 1936.

Both Arnold's Werber A-2 and his Martin B-10 bear the 1st Wing headquarters insignia.

Tinker's quietly flamboyant style is given a British flavor by his pinned collar, mustache wax and swagger stick.

 

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What color is Hap's scarf? Pix of pilots in the western commands sometimes show these type scarves in place of white.

And what has he tucked into his waistband? It's not a holster or flight helmet; might it be another kind of hat?

 

[Falcon_52]

Nice picture! Tinker is my favorite pilot from back in the old days (see my avatar).

I'm not sure what Hap Arnold has on his left hip. It almost appears like a knit hat of some kind.

Noel

 

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Tinker was remembered as tough, earnest, but possessed of a quiet humor and a great concern for his men, and in turn greatly respected by them. His fatal crash at sea was blamed on the early B-24's incapability of staying in the air on two engines, and two of Tinker's engines apparently failed.

 

[Pilot]

Nice picture! Tinker is my favorite pilot from back in the old days (see my avatar).

I'm not sure what Hap Arnold has on his left hip. It almost appears like a knit hat of some kind.

Noel

The scarf might be an OD shawl... IMHO...
Tough Gentlemen , both...
Thx for sharing.