Army Air Service A-K

ABERNATHY, THOMAS J.
Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army
Pilot, 147th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 15, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Thomas J. Abernathy, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Vourbin, France, July 15, 1918. Lieutenant Abernathy, while on patrol duty, attacked an enemy plane at close range, firing 100 rounds at a distance of from 50 to 200 yards. He followed the German ship down and saw it fall out of control, and as he turned he found five enemy planes diving at him. Without hesitation he took the offensive and fired 200 rounds into enemy ships at not more than 15 to 20 yards. He observed tracer bullets entering the bodies of the enemy aircraft, but owing to the violence of the combat he did not have time to observe whether any of his force were shot down. Fighting vigorously, he succeeded in dispersing the enemy ships and making a safe landing within his own lines, although his own engine and plane was almost shot to pieces.
General Orders No. No. 121, W.D., 1918
Birth: Perry, ME
Home Town: West Pembroke, ME

*ALDRICH, PERRY H.
First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army
Observer, 135th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 29, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Perry H. Aldrich, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Mihiel, France, October 29, 1918. Lieutenant Aldrich, observer, with First Lieutenant E. C. Landen, volunteered and went on an important mission for the corps commander without the usual protection. Forced to fly at an altitude of 1, 000 meters because of poor visibility, soon after crossing the lines they encountered an enemy Rumpler plane and forced it to the ground. On returning they attacked another Rumpler and drove it off. After completing their mission and seeing an enemy observation tower on Lake Lachaussee, they re-entered enemy territory and fired upon it. Immediately attacked by seven enemy planes (Fokker type), a combat followed in which Lieutenant Aldrich was mortally wounded.
General Orders No. 13, W.D., 1919
Birth: West Kill, NY
Home Town: Essex Junction, VT

ALEXANDER, ARTHUR H.
First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army
Pilot, 96th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 4, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Arthur H. Alexander, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action on between Friauville and Lamorville, France, September 4, 1918. While on a bombing expedition with other planes from his squadron Lieutenant Alexander engaged in a running fight over hostile territory with a superior number of enemy battle planes from Friauville to Lamorville, France. He was seriously wounded in the abdomen by a machine-gun bullet, and his observer was shot through the legs. Although weak from pain and loss of blood, Lieutenant Alexander piloted his plane back to his own airdrome and concealed the fact of his injury until after his observer had been cared for.
General Orders No. No. 121, W.D., 1918
Birth: Decatur, IL
Home Town: Wellesley, MA

ALEXANDER, STIRLING CAMPBELL
First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army
Pilot, 99th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 6, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Stirling Campbell Alexander, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the region of Landres-et-St. Georges, France, October 6, 1918. Lieutenant Alexander, with Lieutenant Atwater, observer, on a photographic mission, was forced back by seven enemy pursuit planes. A few minutes later he returned over the lines, and while deep in enemy territory was cut off by 12 enemy planes (Pfalz Scouts). He maneuvered his plane to give battle, and so effectively managed the machine that he with his observer was able to destroy one, and forced the others to withdraw. With his observer severely wounded, he managed to bring his plane safely back to his own aerodrome, with his mission completed.
General Orders No. No. 138, W.D., 1918
Birth: Philadelphia, PA
Home Town: Philadelphia, PA

ALLEN, GARDNER PHILIP
First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army
Observer, 8th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 9, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Gardner Philip Allen, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Thiaucourt, France, October 9, 1918. Lieutenant Allen, observer, with First Lieutenant Edward Russell Moore, pilot, took advantage of a short period of fair weather during generally unfavorable atmospheric conditions to undertake a photographic mission behind the German lines. Accompanied by two protecting planes, they had just commenced their mission when they were attacked by eight enemy planes, which followed them throughout their course, firing at the photographic plane. Lieutenant Moore, pilot, with both flying wires cut by bullets, a landing wire shot away, his elevators riddled with bullets, and both wings punctured, continued on the prescribed course, although it made him an easy target. Lieutenant Allen was thus enabled in the midst of the attack to take pictures of the exact territory assigned, and he made no attempt to protect the plane with his machine guns. Displaying entire disregard for personal danger and steadfast devotion to duty, these two officers successfully accomplished their mission.
General Orders No. No. 145, W.D., 1918
Birth: Green Bay, WI
Home Town: Flint, MI

ANDREW, FLYNN LAMBERT ANTHONY
First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army
Observer, 104th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 30, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Flynn Lambert Anthony Andrew, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Landres-et-St. Georges, France, October 30, 1918. Unable to complete a photographic mission, owing to motor trouble, Lieutenant Andrew, with his pilot, made a reconnaissance behind the German lines. They dispersed a battalion of enemy troops, and although twice attacked by enemy patrols, drove them off and in each case brought down one enemy plane. They remained in the air until their motor failed completely.
General Orders No. 126, W.D., 1919
Birth: Denver, CO
Home Town: Denver, CO

ARMSTRONG, RODNEY M.
First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army
Pilot, 168th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 4, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Rodney M. Armstrong, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action November 4, 1918. As pilot of a DH-4 plane, Lieutenant Armstrong flew an Infantry contact machine over the lines of the 7th Division November 4, 1918. Owing to low clouds and rain, he crossed the line at 1, 000 feet in order to enable his observer to locate the position more accurately. While on the enemy's side, he was wounded by an explosive bullet. In spite of his wound and weakness, he continued his mission, coming down to within 500 feet of the enemy's machine guns and troops, until his observer had signaled him that the mission was completed.
General Orders 7, W.D., 1919
Birth: Topeka, KS
Home Town: Topeka, KS

ARTHUR, DOGAN H.
(First Award)
Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army
Pilot, 12th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 12, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Dogan H. Arthur, Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the St. Mihiel salient September 12, 1918. Lieutenant Arthur, pilot, and Second Lieutenant Howard T. Fleeson, observer, executed a difficult mission of infantry contact patrol, without protection of accompanying battle planes, on the first day of the St. Mihiel offensive. After being driven back twice by a patrol of nine enemy planes, they courageously made a third attempt in the face of a third attack by the same planes, found the American lines, and after being shot down, but falling uninjured in friendly territory, communicated their valuable information to headquarters.
General Orders No. 126, W.D., 1919
Birth: Union, SC
Home Town: Highland Park, MI
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (WWI)

ATWATER, BENJAMIN L.
First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army
Observer, 99th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 5, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Benjamin L. Atwater, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Landres-et-St. Georges, France, October 5, 1918. Lieutenant Atwater started on a photographic mission with Lieutenant Alexander pilot, over the enemy's lines. Forced back by seven enemy planes, he determined to complete his mission, and re-crossed the line eight minutes later. A large group of enemy pursuit machines again attacked his plane. Disregarding his wound, he operated his machine-gun with such effect that the nearest of the enemy planes was put down out of control.
General Orders No. 1, W.D., 1919
Birth: Redbank, NJ
Home Town: Redbank, NJ

AVERY, WALTER L.
First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army
Pilot, 95th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 25, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Walter L. Avery, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action north of Chateau-Thierry, France, July 25, 1918. While on his first patrol over the enemy's lines Lieutenant Avery attacked an enemy two-seater biplane. While thus occupied he was vigorously attacked by another enemy plane, but by a quick turn, skillful maneuvering, and accurate shooting he drove the second plane to the American side of the lines, where it crashed into the woods. Lieutenant Avery's motor was badly damaged by bullets, but he made a successful landing back of our lines, where he learned that the enemy pilot who had been made a prisoner was a German ace credited with 44 victories. Lieutenant Avery's conduct was especially commendable because his plane had been seriously damaged at the beginning of the combat.
General Orders No. No. 12, W.D., 1918
Birth: Columbus, OH
Home Town: Columbus, OH

BABCOCK, PHILIP R.
First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army
Pilot, 88th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F.
Date of Action: August 11, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Philip R. Babcock, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Fismes, France, August 11, 1918, together with John W. Jordan, second lieutenant, 7th Field Artillery, observer; Roger W. Hitchcock, second lieutenant, pilot; James S. D. Burns, deceased, second lieutenant, 101st Field Artillery, observer; Louis G. Bernheimer, first lieutenant, pilot; James A. Palmer, second lieutenant, 15th Field Artillery, observer; Joel H. McClendon, deceased, first lieutenant, pilot; and Charles W. Plummer, deceased, second lieutenant, 101st Field Artillery, all attached to the same squadron. Under the protection of three pursuit planes, all carrying a pilot and observer, Lieutenants Bernheimer and Jordan, in charge of a photo plane, carried out successfully a hazardous photographic mission over the enemy's lines to the River Aisne. The four American ships were attacked by 12 enemy battle planes, Lieutenant Bernheimer, by coolly and skillfully maneuvering his ship, and Lieutenant Jordan, by accurate operation of his machine-gun, in spite of wounds in the shoulder and leg, aided materially in the victory which came to the American ships, and returned safely with 36 valuable photographs. The pursuit plane operated by Lieutenants Hitchcock and Burns was disabled while these two officers were fighting effectively. Lieutenant Burns was mortally wounded and his body jammed the controls. After a headlong fall of 2, 500 meters, Lieutenant Hitchcock succeeded in regaining control of this plane and piloted it back to the airdrome. Lieutenants McClendon and Plummer were shot down and killed after a vigorous combat with five of the enemy planes. Lieutenants Babcock and Palmer, by gallant and skillful fighting, aided in driving off the German plane and were materially responsible for the successful execution of the photographic mission.
General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919
Birth: Lyme, CT
Home Town: Lynn, MA

BACKUS, DAVID H.
(First Award)
First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army
Pilot, 49th Aero Squadron, 2d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 26, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to David H. Backus, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Etain, France, September 26, 1918. Lieutenant Backus was one of a patrol of five monoplanes that were attacked by nine enemy planes (Fokker type) in a superior position. The American patrol leader, seeing the futility of giving combat, turned toward our lines with the enemy in close pursuit. One of our patrol, however, fell behind, and the enemy planes dove upon him. Lieutenant Backus, although beyond danger, seeing the predicament of his comrade, turned, and alone attacked the enemy, destroying one and dispersing the others.
General Orders No. No. 138, W.D., 1918
Birth: St. Paul, MN
Home Town: St. Paul, MN
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (WWI)

BACKUS, DAVID H.
(Second Award)
First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army
Pilot, 49th Aero Squadron, 2d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 23, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to David H. Backus, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the region of Landreville, France, October 23, 1918. A patrol of American monoplace planes attacked an enemy formation of superior number. Flying rear position, Lieutenant Backus maneuvered above the attack to prevent other enemy planes from assisting their companions. In the midst of the combat he saw three planes escaping from battle. He immediately gave chase and attacked and shot down all three of the enemy.
General Orders No. No. 138, W.D., 1918
Birth: St. Paul, MN
Home Town: St. Paul, MN
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (WWI)

BADHAM, WILLIAM T.
First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army
Observer, 91st Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 23, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William T. Badham, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Buzancy, France, October 23, 1918. First Lieutenant Badham gave proof of exceptional bravery while on a photographic mission 25 kilometers within the enemy lines. His plane was attacked, by a formation of 30 enemy aircraft. By skillful work with his machine-gun, Lieutenant Badham successfully repelled the attack and destroyed two German planes. At the same time he manipulated his camera and obtained photographs of great military value.
General Orders 7, W.D., 1919
Birth: 9/27/1895 - Birmingham, AL
Home Town: Birmingham, AL

BAER, PAUL FRANK
(First Award)
First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army
Pilot, 103d Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F.
Date of Action: March 11, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Paul Frank Baer, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism on March 11, 1918. First Lieutenant Baer attacked, alone, a group of seven enemy pursuit machines, destroying one, which fell near the French lines northeast of Reims, France. On March 16, 1918, he attacked two enemy two-seaters, one of which fell in flames in approximately the same region.
General Orders No. 128, W.D., 1919
Birth: 1/29/1895 - Fort Wayne, IN
Home Town: Fort Wayne, IN
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (WWI)

BAER, PAUL FRANK
(Second Award)
First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army
Pilot, 103d Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F.
Date of Action: April 5, 12, & 23, and May 8 & 21, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Paul Frank Baer, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action. First Lieutenant Baer brought down enemy planes on April 5, 12, and 23, 1918, and on May 8, 1918. First Lieutenant Baer destroyed two German machines, and on May 21, 1918, he destroyed his eighth enemy plane.
General Orders No. 128, W.D., 1919
Birth: 1/29/1895 - Fort Wayne, IN
Home Town: Fort Wayne, IN
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (WWI)

BAGBY, RALPH B.
First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army
Observer, 88th Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 2, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ralph B. Bagby, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Tailly, France, November 2, 1918. Lieutenant Bagby and First Lieutenant Louis G. Bernheimer, pilot, on their own initiative went on a reconnaissance mission, flying 50 kilometers behind the German lines, securing valuable information as to the condition of the bridges across the Meuse River and enemy activity in the back areas and also harassing enemy troops.
General Orders No. 44, W.D., 1919
Birth: New Haven, MO
Home Town: New Haven, MO

BARTHOLF, HERBERT B.
First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army
Pilot, 103d Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, Air Service, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 30 & November 4, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Herbert B. Bartholf, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action, near Ancerville, France, October 30, 1918, and near Baalon, France, November 4, 1918. On October 30, in the region of Ancerville, Lieutenant Bartholf, with one other pilot, engaged five enemy planes. Outnumbered, he did not hesitate to attack, and, although subjected to the severe fire of five enemy planes, he succeeded in destroying one. On November 4, in the region of Baalon, while on a bombing expedition, he encountered an enemy patrol of eight machines, Fokker type. He immediately dived into their formation and, despite the severe fire to which he was subjected, continued a spirited combat with one of the enemy until it crashed to the ground.
General Orders No. 35, W.D., 1919
Birth: Chicago, IL
Home Town: Glencoe, IL

BAUCOM, BYRNE V.
(First Award)
Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army
Observer, 1st Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F.
Date of Action: June, July, & September 12 - 16, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Byrne V. Baucom, Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Chateau-Thierry and St Mihiel Salients, France. Lieutenant Baucom, with First Lieutenant William P. Erwin, pilot, by a long period of faithful and heroic operations, set an inspiring example of courage and devotion to duty to his entire squadron. Throughout the Chateau-Thierry actions in June and July, 1918, he flew under the worst weather conditions and successfully carried out his missions in the face of heavy odds. In the St. Mihiel sector, September 12-16, 1918, he repeated his previous courageous work. He flew as low as 50 feet from the ground behind the enemy's lines, harassing German troops with machine guns. He twice drove off enemy planes which were attempting to destroy an American observation balloon. On September 12-13, 1918, he flew at extremely low altitudes and carried out infantry contact patrols successfully. Again on September 12 he attacked a German battery, forced the crew to abandon it, shot off his horse a German officer who was trying to escape, drove the cannoneers to their dugouts, and kept them there until the infantry could come up and capture them.
General Orders 64, W.D., 1919
Birth: Milford, TX
Home Town: Milford, TX
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (WWI)

BAUCOM, BYRNE V.
(Second Award)
Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army
Observer, 1st Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F.
Date of Action: November 5, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Byrne V. Baucom, Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Sedan, France, November 5, 1918. With atmospheric conditions such that flying was nearly impossible, Captain Baucom voluntarily undertook a flight as observer to locate the position of enemy troops and machine-gun nests which had been holding up our advance and causing severe casualties. Forced to fly at a very low altitude and subjected to almost constant antiaircraft, and rifle fire, he obtained the information that was vital to the success of our operations, and dropped the message at division headquarters. He then penetrated far into the enemy lines, and opening fire upon enemy crews routed them from a series of machine-gun nests. When his machine was finally shot down, he succeeded in operating the gun, and beat off an attack by the enemy in force. Armed only with revolvers and German grenades which they found in an enemy emplacement, he and his pilot then worked their way back to the American lines with valuable information, repeatedly subjected to enemy fire on their way.
General Orders 64, W.D., 1919
Birth: Milford, TX
Home Town: Milford, TX
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (WWI)