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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Service) Patrick Hues Mell, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 213th Aero Squadron, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., in the region of Bantheville, France, 28 October 1918. While voluntarily a member of a patrol of six airplanes, Lieutenant Mell attacked four enemy airplanes at an altitude of 2,500 meters. Nine additional enemy airplanes almost immediately joined in the fight. Despite the overwhelming number of enemy airplanes, Lieutenant Mell by great skill in maneuvering and with great bravery succeeded in bringing down out of control one of the enemy airplanes. On November 6 Lieutenant Mell with one other pilot attacked three enemy airplanes at an altitude of 3,000 meters 15 kilometers within the enemy lines, destroying one and combating another until within 50 meters of the ground, where they became separated in the fog. The outstanding bravery and superb devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Mell greatly inspired the members of his squadron.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    213th Aero Squadron

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 28, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 3 (June 3, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Air Service) Patrick H. Mell, United States Army Air Service, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. First Lieutenant Mell distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot with the 213th Aero Squadron, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Bantheville, France, 28 October 1918, in bringing down an enemy plane. [The action for which he was cited on this date, coupled with another action, were cited in a subsequent award of the Distinguished Service Cross.]