Want Recognition From Many Airmen
NEW YORK, Nov. 3.—INS—The awarding of the congressional medal to Captain
Eddie Rickenbacker, American war ace, twelve years after the close of the great war, has encouraged members of the American Society for the Promotion of Aviation to attempt to have the deeds of other airmen recognized by a similar award.
The society announced today that it will work to have the congressional medal posthumously awarded to Lt.
Wilbert Wallace White of New York, and Lieut.
Joseph Fritz Wehner of Everett, Mass.
Lieutenant White, son of the Rev. Wilbert Wallace White, during an aerial flight in September, 1918, left his patrol and deliberately flew into a German leader to save the life of a young lieutenant he was taking over the lines for the first time. Captain Rickenbacker, who saw this deed from above, stated it was the greatest example of personal sacrifice to come out of the war.
Lieut. Joseph Fritz Wehner was the flying companion of Lieut.
Frank Luke, of Phoenix, Arizona, who was a awarded the congressional medal posthumously.
Indiana Evening Gazette - Monday, November 03, 1930