PREMIER AIRMAN DIES
Putnam, American Ace of Aces, Is Killed.
Is Shot Through Heart In Aerial Battle With Enemy Machines.
With the American Army on the Lorraine Front, Sept. 20.While on patrol along the American lines, First Lieutenant David E. Putnam, of Newton, Mass., American ace of aces, was killed.
Lieutenant Putnam was flying with Lieutenant Robertson of Fort Smith, Ark., when they were attacked by seven German machines. Four of these made for Putnam's airplane and three attacked Robertson's. The attack was sudden and unexpected and the enemy was able to fire from above.
Lieutenant Putnam was shot twice through the heart. His machine glided to the earth at Limey within the American lines, where he was found by his comrades. Lieutenant Robertson returned safely.
Lieutenant David E. Putnam, a descendant of General Israel Putnam, was credited with 12 aerial victories. He enlisted as an aviator with Lafayette flying squadron and brought down his first enemy machine Jan. 19, 1918. He was awarded the French war cross March 23 after having won five victories in the air. He was later decorated with the military medal by the French government.
Lieutenant Putnam was transferred to the American aerial corps as first lieutenant early in June. His first achievement, June 10, of bringing down five German airplanes in one day, has been eclipsed only once during the war. Aviator
René Fonck of the French army having destroyed six machines in one day. Lieutenant Putnam's last aerial victory was reported Sept. 2.
Lime Springs Sun-Herald - Thursday, September 26, 1918
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