Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Townsend
Griffiss
MIA (WWII) KIA
1900-04-04

–

1942-02-15

Born:

Buffalo

, 

New York

Home:

New York

, 

New York

Buried: 

Buffalo

, 

New York

Cemetery:

Forest Lawn Cemetery (Cenotaph)

Townsend Griffiss graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of June 14, 1922. He was killed when the aircraft in which he was a passenger was mistakenly shot down over the English Channel by Royal Air Force (RAF) Polish airmen [Friendly Fire].He was the first US airman to die in the line of duty in Europe since the US entered World War II.

Awards Received

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    1941 – 1942
    War Department, General Orders No. 43 (August 29, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Townsend Griffiss (ASN: 0-15010), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility in 1941 and 1942. Lieutenant Colonel Griffiss displayed rare judgment and devotion to duty and contributed materially to the successful operation of the Special Army Observers Group, London, England. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant Colonel Griffiss and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.