Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Joseph
Frank
Wehner
KIA (WWI)
September 20, 1895

–

September 18, 1918

Cemetery:

Woodlawn Cemetery

The son of a German immigrant, Joseph Wehner’s athletic achievements in high school football earned him a scholarship to the Phillips Exeter Academy in 1914. After graduation he worked for the YMCA in Germany before the war, then returned home where his ancestry resulted in his arrest and investigation as a German spy. At last allowed to join his Air Service Squadron, he was ostracized and remained under suspicion by all by fellow pilot Frank Luke. Lieutenant Wehner shot down one enemy plane (unconfirmed) and five balloons in three days, to become an ACE, before being Killed in Action while protecting Frank Luke in a daring attack on three balloons on September 18, 1918.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Service

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    27th Aero Squadron

    Regiment:

    1st Pursuit Group

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 15, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 138 (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 First Lieutenant (Air Service) Joseph Frank Wehner, 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 Rouvres, France, 15 September 1918. While on a mission First Lieutenant Wehner found an enemy patrol of eight machines attacking a single American observation machine. He immediately attacked, destroying one and forcing another down out of control, his own plane being badly damaged by enemy machine-gun fire. He managed to convey the American plane to safety.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Service

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    27th Aero Squadron

    Regiment:

    1st Pursuit Group

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 16, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 138 (1918)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Air Service) Joseph Frank Wehner, 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 Mangiennes and Reville, France, 16 September 1918. Amid terrific anti-aircraft and ground machine-gun fire First Lieutenant Wehner descended, attacked, and destroyed two enemy balloons. One of these balloons was destroyed in flames after it had been hauled to the ground and was resting in its bed.