Navy Federal Credit Union

Karl Schoen became an ACE in World War I, scoring 7 victories before being shot down and killed himself on October 29, 1918, after scoring his last two victories.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Service

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    139th Aero Squadron

    Regiment:

    4th Pursuit Group

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 10, 1918

    War Department, General Orders No. 37 (1919)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Air Service) Karl John Schoen, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 139th Aero Squadron, 4th Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Ancerville, France, 10 October 1918. While leading a patrol of three machines, Lieutenant Schoen sighted nine enemy planes, Fokker type, and immediately attacked them. Although greatly outnumbered, he destroyed one of the planes and put the others to flight. He was killed in action October 29 and has been officially credited with destroying seven enemy aircraft.