Richard C. du Pont with TG-2 Glider Pilot – 1941 U.S. Army Air Forces Official Photograph

This original 1941 U.S. Army Air Forces official photograph captures soaring pioneer Richard Chichester du Pont standing beside the cockpit of a Schweizer TG-2 military training glider, speaking with Lt. Chet Decker. Du Pont, a three-time U.S. National Soaring Champion and founder of All American Aviation, was a driving force behind U.S. military glider development during WWII.

The TG-2 was a two-seat, tandem-cockpit sailplane adapted from Schweizer Aircraft’s successful civilian design and adopted by the U.S. Army Air Forces to train future assault glider pilots. In this image, the aircraft’s distinctive streamlined nose, tandem canopies, and long wings are clearly visible. The relaxed yet focused interaction between du Pont and Decker offers a rare human glimpse into the wartime glider program.

Du Pont’s contributions to American aviation — from competitive soaring records to the advancement of military glider operations — make this photograph a historically significant collectible for both aviation historians and military memorabilia enthusiasts.

• Date: 1941

• Location: Likely U.S. Army Air Forces training base

• Aircraft: Schweizer TG-2 military training glider

• Subjects: Richard C. du Pont, Lt. Chet Decker

• Source: Official U.S. Army Air Forces photograph (marked on reverse)

• Dimensions: Approx. 8" x 10"

• Condition: Very good; light handling wear; crisp detail.

• Provenance: From an official military photographic archiv