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Navy Federal Credit Union
John
Knox
MacArthur
MIA (WWI) KIA

Cemetery:

Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery

John MacArthur scored his fifth aerial victory on July 17, 1918, to become an ACE, and scored a 6th victory two days later. The following day he and two other pilots died when they flew into a heavy storm and disappeared.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Service

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    27th Aero Squadron

    Regiment:

    1st Pursuit Group

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 13, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 101 (1918)

    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 Second Lieutenant (Air Service) John Knox MacArthur, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 27th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Luneville, France, 13 June 1918. Outnumbered and handicapped by his presence far behind the German lines, Second Lieutenant MacArthur and three flying companions fought brilliantly a large group of enemy planes, bringing down or putting to flight all in the attacking party, while performing an important mission.