About James Knowles
Lived 1896 – 1971 (aged 74). James Knowles was an American flying ace.
Lieutenant James Knowles Jr. (December 27, 1896 – February 20, 1971) was an American World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories. He was one of the final aces in the war.
Knowles was a Harvard student who was accepted into the U.S. Army Air Service in April 1917. In June 1918, he reported to the 95th Aero Squadron for duty as a Spad XIII pilot. Between 25 July and 8 November 1918, he shot down three German Fokker D.VIIs and two Rumpler reconnaissance planes; one of the latter victories was shared with Sumner Sewall and three other pilots. He came out of the war as an ace with the Distinguished Service Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Croix de Guerre, and the Aero Club of America Medal.
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Important facts
People in James Knowles's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped James Knowles's
Frequently asked questions
Who was James Knowles?
aviator (1896–1971)
When was James Knowles born?
James Knowles was born on 27 December 1896 in Cincinnati.
When did James Knowles die?
James Knowles died on 21 February 1971 in St. Louis.
What was James Knowles's occupation?
James Knowles was a flying ace.
What nationality was James Knowles?
James Knowles was American.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: James Knowles (aviator)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). James Knowles. https://biography.guide/james-knowles/
MLA: "James Knowles." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/james-knowles/.
Chicago: "James Knowles." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/james-knowles/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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