Walter Rheno / Lafayette Flying Corps

**trenchbuff** · 03-12-2010, 12:53 AM

Omg !!!!

**Belleauwood** · 03-13-2010, 03:39 AM

Here are more items from the Rheno grouping. He made the furniture shown in the photo as a boy in his father's cabinet shop. Both are signed by Walter. - His photos with other LFC/LFE members was published in the book 'Illustrated World" with the originals pictured if other previous posts. . He really got a lot of press!! - This suitcase was Walters and the previous caretaker kept his uniform in it for over 40 years. Rheno's family kept it in the suitcase by the door in case they had to leave the home quickly. They did not want to leave his memory behind .
His uniform had been in the case since 1918. - The books on the LFC are considered somewhat rare. The slip cover is almost never found. Rheno's Bible from his mother. - More to come later

**CThomas** · 03-13-2010, 05:37 AM

Dennis-

In regards to the group image you posted from pg. 672 of Illustrated World, I want to draw your attention to the aviator kneeling 4th from left (two pilots to the right of Rheno). His name was Joseph C. Stehlin of Sheepshead, NY (see also pg.47 of Wings of Honor). I may have a nice studio portrait of Stehlin taken in France. Please see the attached scan & give me your impressions (scan cropped to maximize details). There are some facial similarities but I'm not 100% sure it's him.
The full sized image is matted on a nice embossed backing with the photographer's logo/name at bottom center which reads "C. Peigne". On back, is a note written in the aviator's hand "Mother with lots of love as always".

-Chuck

**Belleauwood** · 03-13-2010, 06:56 PM

Right your are - Article from over 100 of the newspaper clippings from the Rheno group -

**Belleauwood** · 03-13-2010, 07:16 PM

More articles and Documents - no particular order

His passport to return to France where he died 1 month later.

**Belleauwood** · 03-13-2010, 07:19 PM

Walter capitalized on his fame. These photos must have made the rounds as they are seen in many publications.

**Belleauwood** · 03-13-2010, 07:24 PM

Walter has been credited for 2 victories. However, some of his papers were lost in France after he died. This is pretty compelling evidence that he did indeed bring down 3 Bosch planes.

**Belleauwood** · 03-13-2010, 07:27 PM

More pertaining to Walter's death. Again, There is more to this great group.

**Belleauwood** · 03-13-2010, 07:31 PM

A couple of items a little out of sequence. His French passes (there are several) to leave the Aerodrome. The blue ink copy of 10 pages is a combat training manual written in French. From Avord