Carl Spaatz query

[PFFF]

When Carl Andrew Spaatz of the 31st Aero Squadron won the Distinguished Service Cross for shooting down 3 EA-were they ever confirmed?

Hi PFFF,

First of all, Major Carl Spaatz claimed the three victories in 1918 while flying a Spad XIII with the 13th Aero Squadron, not the 31st. Here is a breakdown of his victories:

1) Fokker out-of-control on September 15, 1010 hours

2) Fokker biplane out-of-control on September 26, 0735-0750 hours

3) Fokker biplane probably out-of-control on September 26, 0735-0750 hours

War total: 2 OOC/1 probable = 2 confirmed victories

source: United States Credits for the Destruction of Enemy Aircraft in Air-to-Air Combat World War 1 by Frank Olynyk

Sorry, I don't know much about his Distinguished Service Cross.

Hope this helps,

Darren

[PFFF]

Thanks for info

No problem PFFF, glad to help when I can.

regards,

Darren

[bshatzer]

Originally Posted by wingedwarrior

Hi PFFF,

Sorry, I don't know much about his Distinguished Service Cross.

Darren

Text of the citation, as quoted at, http://tinyurl.com/yzg3pp, is:

SPAATZ, CARL ANDREW "TOOHEY"
Major (Air Service), U.S. Army
Pilot, 3d Aero Squadron, Air Service, A.E.F.
Date of Action: September 26, 1918
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Carl Andrew "Toohey" Spaatz, Major (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action during the St. Mihiel offensive, September 26, 1918. Although he had received orders to go to the United States, Major Spatz begged for and received permission to serve with a pursuit squadron at the front. Subordinating himself to men of lower rank, he was attached to a squadron as a pilot and saw continuous and arduous service through the offensive. As a result of his efficient work he was promoted to the position of night commander. Knowing that another attack was to take place in the vicinity of Verdun, he remained on duty in order to take part. On the day of the attack west of the Meuse, while with his patrol over enemy lines, a number of enemy aircraft were encountered. In the combat that followed he succeeded in bringing down three enemy planes. In his ardor and enthusiasm he became separated from his patrol while following another enemy far beyond the lines. His gasoline giving out, he was forced to land and managed to land within friendly territory. Through these acts he became an inspiration and example to all men with whom he was associated.
General Orders No. No. 123, W.D., 1918
Birth: 6/28/1891 - Boyertown, PA
Home Town: Boyertown, PA

Full URL, in case the tinyurl doesn't work is,

http://www.homeofheroes.com/valor/1_...rService2.html

Cheers,

Excellent work bshatzer

Now the puzzle is complete.........

regards,

Darren

[StephenLawson]

From the History of the 31st Aero (training) Sqdn at Issoudon, 3rd A.I.C. Subject, Lt. Col Carl A. Spaatz of Chevy Chase, Maryland;

On the 13th day of July,(1917) Captain Carl Spaatz ( later Major and now Lieutenant-Colonel Carl Spaatz) was placed in command of the squadron, bringing with him several previous service men, who greatly added to the efficient soldierly status of the organization...

The Squadron left Kelly Field under sealed orders on August 11th, for they know not where, but hoped that they would be fortunate enough to soon land in sunny France. They were temporarily stationed at Fort Totten New York, while awaiting transportation. The 22nd of August 1917, they boarded the White Star Liner “S.S.Baltic” and started on their over-seas voyage. The ship was stopped at Halifax, Nova Scotia and remained there for 11 days awaiting the rest of the convoy that was to accompany them on their trip across the ocean. On September 6th they started their (thought to be uneventful) journey to the scene of the Great War. The evening of September 14th proved to be a very eventful one to all on board. As we were coming up Saint George's Channel protected by an American Destroyer, a German Submarine appeared and fired upon us. “Well it would be a difficult task to make any of the people on board believe that the ship was not hit.” Anyway the ship was put in drydock for repairs when we reached Liverpool after a very slow and laborious journey from that time on. One thing that was more noticeable than anything else that occurred. When the submarine appeared the panic which occurred among the ship's crew in comparison to the calm and courageous manner in which the American soldiers carried themselves was a display that could not escape the notice of all on board. The boat was docked at Liverpool about noon September 15th and the squadron immediately boarded the train for Southampton. At Southampton 50 of the enlisted personnel were detached and sent to the different schools in England to undergo instructions on Machine Gunnery and Aeroplane Construction. These schools were at Grantham, ?gaven, Lincoln, and Readings. We crossed the channel from Southampton to le Havre in one of those famous side-wheelers, arriving at le Harve in the early hours of the morning of September 15th. From there our journey took us to Etampes via the first-class train accommodations known as “6 Chevaux or 40 Hoemes.” This trip was a charm, no self respecting American hobo would torture himself with this kind of accommodations of travel. At Etampes the remainder of the squadron was divided into three detachments; 1 going to Issoudon, that is self explanatory. 1 going to Paris “Well you may have read of Paris. Someone may have told you of Paris, but until you have DONE Paris and lived there for 3 to 4 months you cannot fully realize what Paris really is.” 1 detachment went to Lyons “the home of the silk manufactrers of the world.” These men in the different detachments had the best of opportunities to know the people. As they were in one of the first eight squadrons in France. They were given the best of instructions on Aeroplanes. The success of Field Five at a later date is ample evidence of the fine teaching of the capable French Mechanics during these early days.

The Squadron was re-assembled and organized again at the 3rd Aviation Instruction Center (Issoudon) under the command of 1st Lieutenant Eduard Buford Jr. During the month of December 1917, Major Carl Spaatz taking command of the 3rd A.I.C.

[TomVrille]

If you have a particular interest in Carl Spaatz, you might want to check into Cross & Cockade (US), Vol 3, No 1, Spring 1962. In this issue is an interview with Lt. Leighton Brewer of the 13th Pursuit Squadron during the time of Spaatz's 'inspection tour'. This interview, titled simply How it was, includes a description of Spaatz from the perspective of a fellow pilot, and includes several interesting observations.

Spaatz's combat report for his encounter with 7 Fokkers can be found in Wings of Honor. Since it is a masterpiece of brevity and understatement, I repeat it here:

Flying at about 200 meters ran into 7 Fokkers in region of Flabes. Dove on one, approached within 10 meters, fired about 75 rounds, pulled up to 4200 meters, dove on another, fired at another which went out of control. Pulled up to 4000 meters, followed another to 3500 meters, fired about 100 shots; enemy plane descended in vrille. Looked about for Allied planes to reform. Joined by one plane which kept behind. Was in sight until lines were crossed. Gasoline supply exhausted. Crashed at Ribacourt. Confirmation requested on two e.a. Carl Spaatz, Major, U.S.A.