Hilbert Leigh Bair: American Fighter Ace Who Served in Two World Wars
I have been looking into the incredible people who served during the wars. So lets find out about Hilbert Leigh Bair, an American pilot whose service stretched across two world wars.
He was born on the 15th of November 1894 in New York City. When the First World War intensified, he joined the U.S. Army Air Service on the 18th of July 1917, but he was soon attached to the Royal Air Force in Britain. He began flying with No. 24 Squadron in 1918, and he became a fighter ace that was credited with six aerial victories against German aircraft.
For his actions, he was awarded the American Distinguished Service Cross and the British Distinguished Flying Cross, reflecting recognition from both nations.
He later returned to an American unit in 1918. He thankfully survived the war and, remarkably, served again during the Second World War as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Air Forces.
He died on the 24th of November 1985 in Hawaii at the age of 91.
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