Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Jacques
Michael
Swaab
April 21, 1894

–

July 7, 1963

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Jacques Swaab became a Double-ACE in World War I, scoring 10 victories. In 1938 he served as technical advisor on “Dawn Patrol,” a Hollywood motion picture starring David Niven and Errol Flynn.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    22d Aero Squadron

    Regiment:

    2d Pursuit Group

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 8, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 8 (March 1, 1920)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Service) Jacques Michael Swaab, United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot with the 22d Aero Squadron, 2d Pursuit Group, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Metz, France, 8 September 1918, while on an aerial patrol over enemy lines.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    22d Aero Squadron

    Regiment:

    2d Pursuit Group

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 31, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 4 (June 3, 1919)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Service) Jacques Michael Swaab, United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot with the 22d Aero Squadron, 2d Pursuit Group, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Thiaucourt, France, 31 October 1918, while leading a patrol.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Service

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    22d Aero Squadron

    Regiment:

    2d Pursuit Group

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 28 & October 27, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 53 (1920)

    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) Jacques Michael Swaab, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 22d Aero Squadron, 2d Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Montfaucon, France, 28 September 1918, and in the region of Champignuelle, 27 October 1918. On September 28 Lieutenant Swaab, although himself pursued by two enemy planes, perceiving one of his comrades in distress and in danger of being shot down, dived upon the enemy plane which was directly behind that of his comrade and shot the enemy plane out of control, forcing it to withdraw. His prompt act in going to the assistance of his comrade enabled the latter to escape. On October 27 Lieutenant Swaab and another member of his group engaged in combat with seven enemy planes. In this encounter, although outnumbered, Lieutenant Swaab continued in his attack and succeeded in shooting down an enemy D. F. W. observation plane.