Howard Burdick

Lieutenant Howard Burdick (12 December 1891—20 January 1975) DSC DFC was an American World War I flying ace credited with eight confirmed aerial victories. He and his son, Clinton D. Burdick, are the only known pair of father-son flying aces.

Biography

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Howard Burdick joined the Air Service, United States Army in 1917 and was deployed to France. He was assigned to the 17th Aero Squadron, and flew British Sopwith Camels while attached to the Royal Air Force. For his actions in combat, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for eight aerial victories, often flying in company with George Vaughn, his flight commander.

Eventually settling in California, Burdick died in Los Angeles in January 1975.

Aerial victory list

Howard Burdick achieved all his victories while flying a Sopwith Camel for the 17th Aero Squadron.

No.Date/timeFoeResultLocationNotes 1 18 September 1918 @ 1100 hours LVG reconnaissance craft Destroyed Rumilly 2 24 September 1918 @ 1040 hours Fokker D.VII fighter Destroyed Northwest of Havrincourt 3 28 September 1918 @ 1745 hours LVG reconnaissance craft Destroyed 4 28 September 1918 @ 1810 hours Fokker D.VII fighter Destroyed Cambrai 5 2 October 1918 @ 0910 hours DFW reconnaissance craft Destroyed East of Awoignt Victory shared with George Vaughn 6 14 October 1918 @ 0710 hours Halberstadt reconnaissance craft Destroyed East of Bazeul Victory shared with George Vaughn and another pilot 7 14 October 1918 @ 1400 hours Fokker D.VII fighter Destroyed Northeast of Hausey Victory shared with George Vaughn 8 25 October 1918 @ 1055 hours Fokker D.VII fighter Set afire and destroyed Mormal Woods

Honors and awards Distinguished Service Cross The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Howard Burdick, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action northwest of Cambrai, France, September 28, 1918. Attacked by two Fokker biplanes, Lieutenant Burdick outmaneuvered both machines, shot one into flames and routed the other one. Later, seeing three Fokkers attacking an American aviator, he at once dove into the combat to his assistance, shooting down one and driving off the other two. His quick and unhesitating attack, single-handed, on the three Fokkers save the life of his fellow pilot. General Orders No. 38, W.D., 1921

Distinguished Flying Cross Burdick received the Distinguished Flying Cross for skill and gallantry. He was noted for his successful shooting down of an enemy aircraft over the Forest of Mormal on October 25th, 1918, as well as for the destruction of four additional aircraft earlier in his service.