Collecting pieces of Minnesota's past for the future
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The Minnesota Historical Society preserves and makes available a wide range of materials chronicling Minnesota's history and culture. The goals of the Collections Department are to collect and preserve; provide access and interpretation; and engage in education and outreach. This blog is a tool to share these stories and let people know what is happening in the department.
More Heroics for David Backus
While flying with the 49th Aero Squadron in the U.S. Air Force, St. Paul native David Backus completed two military actions for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest honor bestowed upon a member of the Army or the Air Force. The first action occurred on September 26, 1918, when Backus risked his life to save his fellow pilot from nine attacking enemy planes. The second action occurred on October 23, 1918 when this diary entry was written. While flying near Landreville in north-central France, Backus and others were attacked by three enemy planes, two Fokkers and one biplane. He successfully maneuvered his plane above the attack and gave chase to the enemy, eventually shooting down all three planes. Since Backus had already shown exceptional bravery and flying expertise on the 26th of September, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross with a bronze oak leaf, which represents a double award.
Wednesday Oct- 23- 18
Out at 4 a.m. up to field had coffee in Aperatiar Tent - aweful fog. we were supposed to bomb and machine gun some Hun machine gun nests in the wood a mile north + alone [sic] Grandpre. But not clear up until ten. […] We were at 4700 metres - Seador proved his wings we dove on 14- Huns- 5 of us saw a bi plane make off- attacked it. Report here got three of them. Landed at Souily motor trouble. […] We got beautifully bombed this evening by the Huns. [.]
Citation: David Backus Collection. Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul, Minnesota. 123.D.10.6F