War Ace Dies Stunting at Legion Race
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Capt. John O. Donaldson Spins and Crashes at Philadelphia
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Philadelphia, Sept. 8 (UP).—Capt.
John O. Donaldson, 32, World War ace army instructor and commercial aviation executive, crashed to his death yesterday while doing aerobatic flying at the conclusion of the American Legion air race at the Municipal Stadium.
Flying the plane of Mrs. Opal Kunz, New York aviatrix, Donaldson, whose home was in Newark, N.J., and several other aviators were entertaining the crowd with fancy flying and stunts. Suddenly the captain's plane went into a tail spin and plunged to earth. Donaldson suffered a fractured skull and internal injuries and died soon after being extricated from the wreckage of the plane.
Said to be the fourth ranking American World War ace, Captain Donaldson was credited with eight victories over German airplanes. He had received a number of decorations for valor, among them the distinguished Service Cross and the British Distinguished Flying Cross. The latter was presented personally by the Prince of Wales.
Syracuse Herald - Monday, September 8, 1930
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