Allegiance United States Name James Keating Battles/wars World War I | Rank Lieutenant Years of service 1917 - 1918 Battles and wars World War I | |
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Died October 2, 1976, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States Awards Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross Service/branch Royal Air Force, United States Army Air Service Unit Royal Air Force, No. 49 Squadron RAF | ||
Lieutenant James Alfred Keating was a World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories, including four triumphs during a running battle on 9 August 1918.
Biography
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Keating joined the Air Service, United States Army, receiving his commission in December 1917. He was attached to the Royal Air Force in February 1918, being assigned to 49 Squadron flying DH-9 bombers in June. Along with his observer, 26-year-old Lieutenant Edward Arthur Simpson, Keating was designated as an American air ace, sharing five victories in two days. Their first victory was scored during a raid on Bethencourt when their formation was attacked by seven enemy aircraft over the target. The next day they scored four victories during a bombing raid on the bridge at Falvy.
After the war, Keating returned to the United States. He died in October 1976