World War I | Twelfthrecon

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Personnel

Formed on June 2nd 1917, the 12th Aero Squadron became the foremost observation squadron in the American Air Service. Together, these courageous men earned sixteen Distinguished Service Crosses, fifteen Silver Stars, and shot down five enemy aircraft over the course of seven campaigns.

Scroll down to learn more about these extraordinary men.

Biographies (Draft)

Squadron Roster

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Commanders

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Capt. Leo G. Heffernan

2 June 1917

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Capt. George F. Hughes

18 October 1917

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Maj Harry Brown

28 January 1918

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Lt. Col Lewis Hyde Brereton

29 March 1918

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Capt Stephen Henly Noyes

1 July 1918

Capt Robert Paradise

25 October 1918

Notable Members

At age 47 "Pop" was the oldest member in the U.S. Air Service.

Capt E. "Pop" Hinds

Arthur and Fleeson NASM-NASM-9A11573-213

One of the most nervy pilots of the squadron, he has 3 kills & was himself shot down 4 times

Capt Dogan "Cotton" Arthur

Arthur and Fleeson NASM-NASM-9A11573-213

Fleeson was Arthur's crewmate and just as daring. He has 3 kills & was also shot down 4 times with Capt Arthur.

1Lt. Howard T. Fleeson

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The 1st US service member to shoot down an enemy aircraft. Two of his three kills were with the 12th Aero Squadron

Lt. Stephen Thompson

Lt Harwood

Lt. Benjamin P. Harwood

Decorated with the D.S.C., Croix de Guerre this Observer walked away from a close call and 7 bullets in his flight suit.

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1Lt. Burdette S. Wright

This former artillery officer became an Aerial Observer. He was awarded the D.S.C .& Silver Star. He served on Mitchell's staff and helped develop the first U.S. airway system.

Maj Elmer Haslett, Observer

Maj. Elmer Haslett

His boldness and self deprecating humor carried him through many close calls. He served with the 12th and on Col Mitchell's staff before becoming a P.O.W.

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1Lt. Paul R. Stockton

One of the few officers who remained with the 12th during its entire deployment, Stockton designed the 12th's Insignia & raised a puppy nicknamed "Marie" who later starred in Hollywood films.

Lt. John F. Foy

Lt. Foy bears the distinction of being the only American Radio Officer captured during the war. Click to learn more about this non-flying officer and his harrowing experience.

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1Lt. Cassisus Styles

California native and bow hunter, Cassius served as an Observer during the war. He survived multiple crashes before being shot down and captured.

William Harrison Saunders, Observer

Capt William "Deacon" Saunders

Daring, dashing and intelligent. This West Point graduate trained the 12th's first aerial observers before becoming too valuable and being sent home to instruct.

1Lt. John C. Lumsden

Lumsden was the second oldest member of the Air Service at age 42. He often flew with Capt Hinds and eventually gave his all protecting his wingman.

Lt. Robert (Bob) Patterson 12th Aero Squ

1Lt. Robert A. Patterson

Formerly an artillery officer, Patterson served on the Texas border before becoming an observer. While with the 12th he survived a plane crash from 6,000 feet when his pilot was killed in flight.

Thayer, Sigourney

1Lt. Sigourney Thayer

A gentleman and a scholar, Thayer was a pilot for the 12th before being transferred to a fighter squadron. Thayer is most noted for his poem published in 1917 "The Dead."

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