Allegiance United States Died April 28, 1931 Name Frederick Luff | Battles/wars World War I Rank Lieutenant Battles and wars World War I | |
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Awards Distinguished Flying Cross Service/branch Royal Air Force, United States Army Air Service Unit Royal Air Force, No. 74 Squadron RAF, United States Army Air Service, 25th Aero Squadron | ||
Lieutenant Frederick Ernest Luff was an American flying ace during World War I. He was credited with five aerial victories, and awarded the British Distinguished Flying Cross.
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Although he survived the war, he was injured in an air accident in May 1919 at Lorain, Ohio. He subsequently lived an invalid's life before expiring at home in Cleveland, Ohio in late April 1931.
Early life
Frederick Ernest Luff was born in Cleveland, Ohio on 9 July 1896.
World War I
Luff joined the United States Army Air Service during World War I and was trained as a pilot. He was then forwarded to the Royal Air Force for service. They posted him to pilot's duty with No. 74 Squadron RAF to fly a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a. He destroyed three German Fokker D.VII fighters and two observation balloons between 19 August and 15 September 1918, earning a Distinguished Flying Cross for his deeds. On 19 September, he rejoined the USAAS and was assigned to the 25th Aero Squadron. He and the 25th moved into combat on 9 November 1918, but the war ended two days later. The present-day U.S. Air Force unit, the 25th Space Range Squadron, traces it's linage back to the 25th Aero Squadron and recognizes Luff as a founding member.
Post-war
Luff returned to the United States after the war, and survived an airplane crash at Lorain, Ohio in May 1919. However, injuries suffered in the accident left him an invalid until he died in his parents' home on 27 or 28 April 1931.