Elliott White Springs

Elliott White Springs (July 31, 1896 – October 15, 1959), was a South Carolina businessman and an American flying ace of World War I, credited with shooting down 16 enemy aircraft.

Early life Springs was born to Col. Leroy Springs and Grace Allison White Springs. His father was a noted South Carolina textiles manufacturer. Springs attended Culver Military Academy, and then Princeton University. Around this time, Springs rose to command the 148th as it and the 17th Aero Squadron joined the 4th Pursuit Group. based on the diary of his friend, John McGavock Grider, and his own diaries and letters of the time.

Return to civilian life Upon his return to the United States, Springs wrote numerous books, short stories, and articles. Many were about his experiences in combat aviation. The most notable of these was War Birds: The Diary of an Unknown Aviator, which was found later to be the diary of John McGavock Grider a friend and comrade of his who did not survive the war.

His home, known as the William Elliott White House, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.