Nickname(s) Mac Name John MacArthur Died July 20, 1918 | Rank Lieutenant Battles/wars World War I | |
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Service/branch United States Army Air Service | ||
Lieutenant John Knox MacArthur was a World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories. He was his squadron's first ace.
Contents
Biography
MacArthur was an electrical engineer before he joined the U.S. Army Air Force.
MacArthur downed his half dozen Germany planes from 13 June through 19 July 1918, including a pair of Fokker D.VIIs shared with Donald Hudson, and three other pilots on 2 July.
On 20 July 1918, he was one of three pilots forced down and killed by stormy weather.{He was captured and died a month later as a POW in August 1918}
Honors and awards
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John Knox MacArthur, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Luneville, France, June 13, 1918. Outnumbered and handicapped by his presence far behind the German lines, Second Lieutenant MacArthur and three flying companions fought brilliantly a large group of enemy planes, bringing down or putting to flight all in the attacking party, while performing an important mission.