Reed G. Landis
| Reed Gresham Landis | |
|---|---|
Reed Gresham Landis, 1918
|
|
| Born |
July 17, 1896 Ottawa, Illinois, USA |
| Died | May 30, 1975 (aged 78) near Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA |
| Allegiance |
 United States
|
| Service/branch |
Royal Air Force (United Kingdom) Air Service, United States Army |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit |
Royal Air Force |
| Commands held | 25th Aero Squadron |
| Battles/wars |
  World War I World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross, British Distinguished Flying Cross |
| Relations | Kenesaw Mountain Landis, father |
Royal Air Force
Air Service, United States Army
Colonel Reed Gresham Landis (July 17, 1896 – May 30, 1975) was an American military aviator and the only son of federal judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis, the first Commissioner of Baseball. He served in the air services of the United States Army during World War I and World War II, and was credited as a flying ace during the former, with twelve aerial victories.
In 1916 Landis enlisted in the 1st Illinois Cavalry of the National Guard and served as a private along the Mexican border. In 1917 he joined the Aviation Section, U. S. Signal Corps. He finished his training in England and was posted to No. 40 Squadron RAF. Flying the Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a he drove down a Pfalz D.III out of control on 8 May 1918 for his first victory. On 19 May, he destroyed another D.III. Between 14 July and 19 August, he claimed another ten victories.
His final tally was an observation balloon and eight enemy airplanes destroyed, and three enemy planes driven 'down out of control'. During the war he flew missions with George McElroy and Stan Dallas.
In late August 1918, Landis was transferred to the 25th Aero Squadron, which never succeeded in getting into combat, only receiving its Austin-built S.E.5as in early November of 1918.
During the 1920s, Landis became chairman of the American Legion. During World War II, he returned to service as a USAAC colonel stationed in Washington DC.
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Wikipedia