Lt. David Endicott
Putnam, FAS/USAS
Victories:
11.58 (13) (30+?)
Squadrons:
MS156, Spa38, Spa94 (FAS) 139th Aero (USAS)
Born:
10 December 1898 Jamaica Plains, Massachusetts
Died: 12 September 1918 Killed In Action Limey,
France
Awards:
French Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur
French Médaille Militaire
French Croix de Guerre
American Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
Notes
A descendant of
American Revolutionary War General Israel Putnam, David Putnam
attended Harvard before joining the French Air Service in 1917.
After serving with the Lafayette Flying Corps, he joined the
United States Air Service in June 1918. He was recommended for
the Medal of Honor and posthumously awarded the Distinguished
Service Cross. Putnam's SPAD S.XIII was shot down by German ace,
Georg von Hantelmann . At the time of his death, Putnam was the
American " Ace of Aces ." Thought to have shot down
more than 30 enemy aircraft during the war, many of his victories
were deep within German territory and were never confirmed.
Quotes
"...there
is no question about the hereafter of men who give themselves in
such a cause. If I am called upon to make it, I shall go with a
grin of satisfaction and a smile."
David Putnam, in a letter to his mother
Médaille
Militaire
"By his spirit
and disregard for danger, he has shown himself to be a pilot of
the highest order. He recently attacked a patrol of nine enemy
planes and downed one of them. The next day, during the course of
a protection mission, he resolutely attacked a patrol of eight
enemy planes and downed two of his adversaries, reporting
therewith, his 5th and 6th victories. Three citations."
Médaille Militaire citation
Légion
d'Honneur
"An admirable
and devoted pilot of exemplary endurance, will and courage. With
his escadrille for only six months, he has revealed himself to be
an exceptional pilot of skill and competency beyond compare.
Untiring, seeks every occasion for combat, pushes his boldness to
the limit, and has the initiative to attack the enemy 20
kilometers inside the lines. In less than a month, has officially
downed six enemy planes bringing to nine the number of his
victories. Already cited twice in orders." Legion d'Honneur
citation
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