2LT Frank Luke Jr.

In WWI, both sides used dirigibles (or balloons/blimps) for a number of purposes. The use of airplanes in military operations was in its infancy and the balloon was a tried and true method of observing as well as doing limited offensive operations. As such, they were very heavily guarded and very valuable targets.

On 29 September, 1918, Second Lieutenant Frank Luke Jr., of the United States Army's 27th Aero Squadron, flew out on patrol, flying low over an American forward position and dropping a note, “watch for burning balloons.” This was interpreted as “lookout for burning German balloons just behind the enemy lines.”

As predicted, observers saw the explosions of three balloons. Luke did not return. It was not until after the war that a grave registration unit learned the conclusion of 2LT Luke's attack and pieced together the following information:

In destroying the three balloons, Luke was seriously wounded and his Spad fighter was so shot-up that he could barely control it. Nevertheless, upon regaining control of his aircraft, he identified significant enemy movement. At this point, he had to realize that he would not be able to fly home. Having no parachute, which was the practice of the time, he also had to have known that he would not survive. Regardless, he was a fighter. He was focused and he had his duty.

Luke then maneuvered his airplane to strafe German infantry columns. Taking ground fire, he crash-landed. He was mortally wounded and immediately surrounded by Germans. Rather than stop fighting, he drew his .45 pistol and started firing at the Germans. They returned fire, finally stopping him.

2LT Frank Luke was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously.