Austen Crehore - Military Career

Military Career

On July 16, 1917 Austen Crehore enlisted in France’s Service Aéronautique Militaire (Armée de l'Air), or Lafayette Flying Corps. He attended French aviation schools from July 21 to July 28, 1917 at Avord, Tours, Pau, and G.D.E. He received his brevet on the Caudron France, September 30, 1917.

Austen Crehore was known for bulldog-like tenacity. Even while suffering with appendicitis he continued to fly until he got his first victory over the enemy, bringing down a German aircraft. Only then did he permit himself any rest or to go to the hospital to have his appendix removed.

Starting December 1, 1917 until the November 1918 armistice, Crehore, badge #8983, served at the front with the Escadrille SPAD 94. They were known as "The Grim Reaper", painting its likeness prominently on the entire side of each of the Squadron 94's planes. Crehore earned verified credit with the downing of two enemy aircraft and was awarded France’s Croix de guerre with two palms for his fine record serving the French Flying Corps during the war. He was later awarded France’s Legion d’Honneur.

Serbian volunteer Lt. Petar (Pierre) Marinovich was Austen's frequent flying partner and best friend. Marinovich had 22 confirmed shoot downs and credits Austen Crehore with saving his life early in his career as a German plane was on Marinovich's tail, machine gunning it to shreds. Crehore rolled in behind the German and took it out for one of his first confirmed victories over the enemy. Marinovich died in a plane crash in 1919 performing for the king and queen of Belgium after the war.