1917 US airman for identification

[Black Hawk]

This portrait is in its original 16"X10 1/2" folder signed and dated 1917 by the famous society photographer Louis Fabian Bachrach. I understand the US Army Air Service officer's collar insignia is the model 1917 introduced in May 1917 and remained in use until July 1918. I look forward to hearing further information and possibly the identity of the aviator. Perhaps no rank insignia meant an early war pilot in training.

L. F. Bachrach said "The departure of our boys to foreign parts with the ever-present possibility that they might never return, taught the real value of photography to every father and mother. To many a mother the photograph of her boy in his country's uniform was the one never-failing consolation."

[ONEALM]

That young man looks like Robert Barron after whom Barron Field was dedicated.

[Black Hawk]

Besides having Barron Field in Texas named for him, Mount Barron on the Mansfield Peninsula across from Funter Bay in Alaska was also named for cadet Robert J. Barron. His family was prominent in Portland, Oregon and his father owned Thlinket Packing Company salmon cannery at Funter Bay.

[ONEALM]

son of James T and Elizibeth (Nixon) Barron. Born in Portland, Ore 22 March 1896. Educated in Porland Public Schools, Volksmann"s Schoo in Boston and teh Boston University College of Business Admin.

Was employed pre-war salmon-packer, vice president of the Thlinket Packing co and Noosack Packing Co., Portland.

Enlisted at Boston 3 June 1917. Attended ground school at MIT, transferred to Essington, Pa.

22 August 1917, cadet Barron attempted to rescue two cadets who had fallen (crashed ?) into the Delaware River. He swan to their assistance, but drowned before reaching them.

"My Dear Friends:

May I not send you a word of heartfelt sympathy ? The death of your son in a heroic effort to save two of his comrades from drowning excited my sympathy not only, but my very profound admiration. I hope that your grief will be tempered in some degree at east by a knowledge of the peculiar distinction with which your son died.

Cordially and sincerely yours,
Woodrow Wilson"

Ironically Barrons grandfather, Robert Nixon, served int he Civil War and also drowned on a transport en route from NY to the south.

All the foregoing from "New england Aviators" Volume I

[CThomas]

That makes two of these portraits in existance

[ONEALM]

Yep, this thread was a ground ball thanks to you.....

[CThomas]

You really made my day when you pointed me in the right direction. Thanks!
One more thing I can add to this thread...
The portrait of Robert Barron posted above was most likely taken at the same time as the one seen in New England Aviators. Just my two cents...

[Froggy]

Bonjour

Robert James Barron is In "Find à Grave"

Robert James Barron (1896 - 1917) - Find A Grave Memorial

Cordialement
Bruno

[Black Hawk]

The incident that cost cadet Robert A. Barron his life on Aug. 21, 1917 seems an interesting research subject. Part of my initial research includes an account of the history of Chandler Field. The location is outside Philadelphia on the Delaware River.

History

However the history states "It is interesting to note that there were never any fatal accidents at the base, a remarkable record for that time."

Is it possible to find an official account of the Aug. 21, 1917 accident?

[ONEALM]

I would try either the Philadelphia or Camden (NJ) press for an account. It might not be entirely accurate, but it would be a good start.

They might be splitting hairs here too. The accident did not happen at Chandler... it was a Navy plane (apparently), that crashed in the Delaware.