Lawrence Callahan
| Lawrence Kingsley Callahan | |
|---|---|
Lawrence Kingsley Callahan, 1918
|
|
| Nickname(s) | Larry |
| Born |
11 January 1894 Louisville, Kentucky, USA |
| Died | 17 September 1977 (aged 83) Gardena, California, USA |
| Allegiance |
 United States
|
| Service/branch |
Royal Air Force (United Kingdom) Air Service, United States Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit |
Royal Air Force |
| Battles/wars |
  World War I World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
Royal Air Force
Air Service, United States Army
Lieutenant Lawrence Kingsley Callahan was a World War I flying ace credited with seventeen victories.
Callahan was born in Louisville, Kentucky and graduated from Cornell University.
He was living in Chicago when he initially joined the Aviation Section, U.S. Signal Corps. He served on exchange duty with the Royal Flying Corps, receiving advanced training as a fighter pilot and attached to 85 Squadron when it went to war on the Western Front. He flew Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a fighters to his first three triumphs, on 16 June, 13 July, and 24 July 1918. He then switched to No. 148 Squadron and its Sopwith Camels for his last two victories, when he destroyed Fokker D.VII fighters on 3 and 28 October 1918.
Elliott White Springs's Warbirds memoirs of No. 85 Squadron featured Callahan.
Callahan returned to the military for World War II, joining the U.S. Army Air Corps. This term of service took him to duty with the 12th U.S. Air Force in Oran, Algeria.
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
For gallantry and skill. On 28 October 1918, this officer, whilst leading his flight, attacked a formation of seven Fokkers and after firing a short burst at one EA, sent it down completely out of control NW of Jenlain, and drove another EA off the tail of one of his flight. His flight in this fight accounted for six EA crashed and one out of control without losing a machine, a result largely due to his skilful leading. On another occasion he engaged a formation of EA over Esnes and succeeded in shooting down several of the EA which crashed near Esnes. This officer has accounted for seventeen EA crashed and one driven down out of control; he has proven himself an exceptionally fine patrol leader and has at all times displayed gallantry, initiative and devotion to duty of the highest order.
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