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Historical records matching Paul Frank Baer
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About Paul Frank Baer
World War I Aviator. Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he is noted for being the first flying ace in US Military aviation history. In February 1917, he joined the Lafayette Flying Corps France and was assigned to Spa80 Flying Squadron. By the time the US Army Air Service entered the war, he was a 1st Lieutenant when he transferred to the 103rd Pursuit Squadron.
He scored his first air victory in March 11, 1918 and alone attacked a group of seven enemy pursuit planes, destroying one which crashed to the ground near the French lines northeast of Reims. By April 23, 1918, he scored his fifth victory to become the first American ace of the US Army Air Service.
During a mission at Armentieres, on May 22, 1918, he scored his ninth victory but was then shot down and captured by the Germans. Taken prisoner by the Germans, he remained a POW until after the armistice ending the war.
In February 1919, he returned to his hometown and received a hero's welcome. His post war service included a position as a test pilot for an aeronautical lab, inspector for the Department of Commerce, plus later he flew to South America and assisted in establishing an air mail service.
He died at age 36 when his aircraft crashed during takeoff from Shanghai, China.
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Paul Frank Baer's Timeline
| 1894 |
January 29, 1894
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Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana, United States
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| 1930 |
December 9, 1930
Age 36
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Shanghai, Shanghai, China
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| ???? |
Lindenwood Cemetery, 2324 West Main Street, Fort Wayne, Allen County, IN, 46808, United States
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