researching pilots

[jencc]

My Grandfather was an American WWI recon overseas flyer ( he also was in WWII). I am just beginning to attempt to research his records. Does anyone have any advice on where to start or how to obtain information. Any help would be much appreciated. Jen

[Rendsburg]

Hi,

jencc wrote:

"Does anyone have any advice on where to start..."

The answer is: Here!

Just put here the name, and the informations that you have, our experts friends do the research.

Otto

[TomVrille]

For WW1, a good starting point would be to post your grandfather's name. From that, it is possible that a record could be compiled of the units to which he was assigned, and the corresponding dates. (It is always surprising to find out how much information has been accumulated by the various members of this forum.) If he ever shot down an enemy aircraft, or was himself shot down, there's a fair chance that the names of all the participants can be determined. It's rather like pulling on a loose thread, and suddenly there is a massive tangle of yarn at your feet!
For WW2, contact the appropriate branch of service records center.

Those records are also kept at the state level, so which state's Adjutant General's Office or equivalent would have his?

I have all Connecticut WW1 on hand, and can get WW1 Maine and Vermont.

[jencc]

Thank you for your helpful responses. My Grandfather's name was George Carroll Noonan. He was from Jersey City, New Jersey. He entered the service in 1918 at age 24. He retired as a Major after WWII but I believe he was a lieutenant in WWI. He belonged to the first Army Air Corps in NYC. He was a reconnaissance pilot. He once crashed in France in a farm field on a mission. He flew the Curtis Jenny plane, after which I am named. At one point he was stationed in Tours, France in 1919. After the war he returned home on the SS Patria from AEF France to New York. He attended the first WWI overseas flyers reunion held in early-mid 1970 in Washington DC. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetary. As a child my mother remembers his good friend Eddie Rickenbacker coming to their home in Jersey City. I wish I had more information. He died when I was 3 in 1973. ANy help would be graciously appreciated. Jenny