Known affectionately as, “Daddy John,” Lieutenant Colonel John Ira Mulzac (1923-2015) was an original Tuskegee Airman who amassed 15,000 hours in the air. A decorated pilot, Lieutenant Colonel Mulzac served his country as part of the Army Air Forces and the United States Air Force in the Second World War, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War. When not in active service, Lieutenant Colonel Mulzac served as a proud member of the New York City Fire Department, as a sky marshal, and as a U.S. Customs Inspector.

Oxygen Mask
1940s
This oxygen mask was worn by Lieutenant Colonel John Ira Mulzac during the Second World War.
Rubber, metal. Mask: L 15.24, W 12.7 cm; Piece of rubber hosing: L 27.94, 10.16 cm; Metal Valve with two pieces of hosing: L 12.7, H 4.4 cm John I. Mulzac Collection, Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, TUAI 1813

Anti-Air Craft Command Insignia
1942 – 1945
This insignia, worn on the shoulders of a uniform, belonged to Lieutenant Colonel John Ira Mulzac. During the Second World War, the US Army Anti-Aircraft Command was established to train officers and enlisted men in anti-aircraft combat, including the use of anti-aircraft artillery.
Cloth, paper. D 6.2 cm. John I. Mulzac Collection, Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, TUAI 1814

Army Air Forces Officer’s Hat
ca. 1940s
This hat belonged to Lieutenant Colonel John Ira Mulzac. With its indented front sides, this type of hat was referred to as a “Crush” hat.
Cloth, plastic. L 27.9, W 25.4 cm
John I. Mulzac Collection, Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, TUAI 1824

Chaps
1940s
These leggings, also called spatterdashes or spats, belonged to Lieutenant Colonel John Ira Mulzac. Worn over shoes and pant bottoms to protect mud and debris.
Canvas. John I. Mulzac Collection, Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, TUAI 1874

Caps
1940s
These caps belong to Lieutenant Colonel John Ira Mulzac. They were worn as part of an Army Private’s uniform.
Cloth. L 12.7, W 27.9 cm
John I. Mulzac Collection, Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, TUAI 1827

Learn more about the Tuskegee Airmen National Park Service, Museum Management Program at nps.gov

Learn more about Lieutenant Colonel John Ira Mulzac in TUSKEGEE AIRMEN PROFILES!