Paul A. Rockwell WWI French Army Brother Kiffin KIA Pilot Escadrille Autograph

Description

Paul Ayres Rockwell [1889 1975] was army officer, author and the brother of Kiffin Rockwell who was a member of the Lafayette Escadrille who was killed in action in France during World War I. In August of 1914 upon the opening of World War I, Paul and Kiffin traveled to Paris, France where they enlisted in the French Foreign Legion and it is believed that the Rockwell brothers were among the very first Americans who saw service in France. The brothers were trained with the French Infantry and were immediately transferred to the front at Aisne were they fought at the first Battle of Marne. Both brothers were wounded and after their recovery Kiffin requested transfer to France's air arm and he was among the first American's to be added to the infant fighter squadron which would become the Lafayette Escadrille. Paul who was severely injured returned to the French Army and served as a information officer at the French Army Grand Headquarters and began working as a war correspondent for American newspapers. Kiffin went on to become the first American pilot to shoot down a enemy airplane during the war but sadly was shot down himself and killed on September 23, 1916, becoming the second American airman to die in combat in France. Paul continued his service with the French Army and stayed in France after the war were he worked as a writer. In 1925 Paul Rockwell was back in the French Service when he volunteered as an observer/bombardier flying in Brequet bombers during the RIF Wars in Morocco. In 1934 he returned to the United States but returned to France during the opening of World War II. Paul was appointed as a Captain in a Infantry division of the French Army and served until the collapse of the Army in 1940 when he joined the United States Army Air Force. Paul was then assigned as the Chief Liaison Officer with the French Air Force and particapted in the North African Campaigns and the invasion of France. Paul Rockwell is the only American in military history to be awarded the French Croix de Guerre Medal three times for his service during World War I, the Rif Wars of Morocco and World War II. After the war he returned to his home in North Carolina and began a long career as a writer and authored several books including, American Fighters in the Foreign Legion. Paul was greatly involved in military history and was instrumental in the formation and founding of The Lafayette Escadrille Historical Association. Paul spent years arranging gatherings and get-togethers and communicating with former members of the Lafayette Escadrille. Listed for auction is a terrific [TLS] typed letter signed by Paul A. Rockwell on his personal letterhead Colonel Paul Ayres Rockwell. The letter is dated 21 March, 1966 and is addressed to a Dr. S. Kleiser who was a noted aviation historian and collector. The letter has excellent aviation related content and is signed ''Paul A. Rockwell'' in blue pen. The letter measures 6.50 x 10.50 inches, other then expected mail folds it is in fine condition. The autograph is authentic and the letter will be a desirable addition to any aviation collection.
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