Goldthwaite, George Edgar
First lieutenant, 24th Aero Squadron, Air Service.
Distinguished-Service Cross. General Orders No. 1, War Department, 1919; Near the Bois de Bantheville, France, October 15,1918. In the course of a special reconnaissance to locate a hostile concentration massing for a counterattack in the vicinity of the Bois de Bantheville, he and his observer flew generally at an altitude of four hundred meters, at times a slow as fifty meters, five kilometers into the enemy's lines. Anti-aircraft guns riddles his plane with bullets, pierced the gasoline tank, and drenched both pilot and observer. He continued on until the enemy's concentration was located and military information of great value secured. The bravery of Lieutenant Goldthwaite saved the lives of many American soldiers and brought large losses to the enemy.
Silver Star. Citation Orders No. 2, General Headquarters, A.E.F., France, June 3, 1919: The following named officers and enlisted men of the American Expeditionary Forces are cited for gallantry in action and are entitled to wear a silver star......: .....First Lieutenant George A. (E) Goldthwaite, Air Service (pilot), 24th Aero Squadron. For gallantry in action on November 5, 1918, in the vicinity of Foret de Spincourt, in protecting an important photographic mission .....By command of General Pershing: James G. Harbord, Chef of Staff. Official: Robert C. Davis, Adjutant General.
Citation Certificate - Gallantry in Action. march 27, 1919: For distinguished and exceptional gallantry at Foret de Spincourt, on November 5, 1918, in the operations of the American Expeditionary Forces; in testimony thereof, and as an expression of appreciation of his valor, I award him this citation. John J. Pershing, Commander-in-Chief.
Record. Born October 18, 1889, Marion; son of Edgar Louis and Leah Candace (Zombro) Goldthwaite. Electrical engineer, New York, NY. Entered service May 12, 1917, Plattsburg, NY. Training: Plattsburg, NY; Tours and Issoudun, France. Assigned to 24th Aero Squadron, Air Service. First lieutenant, Air Service, June 5, 1918. Overseas October 27, 1917 - February 12, 1919. Pilot and flight commander, 24th Aero Squadron, 1st Army Observation Group. Battles: St. Mihiel, Argonne-Meuse. Discharged February 19, 1919.
Married Emily Jack. Son, Duncan. Jackson Heights, NY