William Ponder

Lieutenant William Thomas Ponder was an American World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories.

World War I

William Thomas Ponder joined the French air service in the fall of 1917. He was originally assigned to Escadrille SPA 67, then Escadrille SPA 163. While with this unit, he used a Spad to down three German planes between 28 May and 11 August 1918; one of these victories was shared with Thomas Cassady. While serving with the French, Ponder was a corporal. When he transferred to an American unit, the 103rd Aero Squadron, he was commissioned as an officer. He scored three more times in the month of October to become a flying ace; four of these victories were shared, including one with Frank O'Driscoll Hunter.

On 18 November 1932, he was caught near Poteet for smuggling 80 gallons of alcohol via airplane. On 8 April 1933, he was convicted and sentenced to six months in federal detention.

World War II and beyond During the war, Ponder worked for Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation in Fort Worth. He also delivered Globe Swift aircraft from San Angelo. He also founded the Ponder Aircraft Sales Company. He was on a sales trip for his company when he died of a heart attack in a hotel room in Amarillo on 27 February 1947.

Decorations and awards Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William Thomas Ponder, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Fontaines, France, October 23, 1918. Having been separated from, his patrol, Lieutenant Ponder observed and went to the assistance of an allied plane which was being attacked by 30 of the enemy. Lieutenant Ponder destroyed one enemy plane and so demoralized the remaining that both he and his comrade were able to return to their lines. General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919.

He was also bequeathed the French Croix de Guerre with four palms.