John Knox MacArthur
John Knox MacArrthur | |
---|---|
Lieutenant John Knox MacArthur, 27th Aero Squadron | |
Nickname(s) | Mac |
Born |
14 January 1891 Columbia, Pennsylvania, USA |
Died | 9 August 1918 |
Buried at | Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery, Delaware USA |
Allegiance | United States |
Service/branch | Air Service, United States Army |
Rank | Lieutenant |
Unit | 27th Aero Squadron |
Battles/wars | World War I |
Awards | Distinguished Service Cross |
Lieutenant John Knox MacArthur was a World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories.[1] He was his squadron's first ace.[2]
MacArthur was an electrical engineer before he joined the U.S. Army Air Force.[2]
MacArthur downed his half dozen Germany planes from 13 June through 19 July 1918, including a pair of Fokker D.VIIs shared with Donald Hudson, and three other pilots on 2 July.[2]
On 20 July 1918, he was one of three pilots forced down and killed by stormy weather.[2]{He was captured and died a month later as a POW in August 1918}
Honors and awards
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John Knox MacArthur, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Luneville, France, June 13, 1918. Outnumbered and handicapped by his presence far behind the German lines, Second Lieutenant MacArthur and three flying companions fought brilliantly a large group of enemy planes, bringing down or putting to flight all in the attacking party, while performing an important mission.[1]
See also
References
Bibliography
- American Aces of World War I. Norman Franks, Harry Dempsey. Osprey Publishing, 2001. ISBN 1-84176-375-6, ISBN 978-1-84176-375-0.