One of the seven original members of the Escadrille Americaine, later known as the Escadrille Lafayette, Cowdin began his career in the American Ambulance Service. He enlisted directly into the French Aviation, March 5, 1915, which was an exception to the rule; most entered via the Foreign Legion.
He was brevetted April 29th, 1915, a record for pilot Training. He won the Croix de Guerre with palm while flying bombers with V.B. 108 on 26th of June 1915.
He then transferred to a pursuit squadron, N 65 in March, 1916. While with N 85, he won a star to his Croix de Guerre and the coveted Medaille Militaire, which also gave him another palm to his Croix de Guerre. The Meddaille Militaire is the highest military award given to a non-commissioned officer and Cowdin was the first American pilot to receive it.
On April 28th, 1916, he was transferred to L’Escadrille Americaine. On the 4th of July 1916, he dueled to a draw with the famous German Ace, Hauptmann Oswald Boelcke. Both had exhausted their ammunition before they could get a decisive shot at his adversary. An ear infection caused Cowdin to terminate his combat flying career in August of 1916.
The Gold Eagle pin worn on Cowdin left breast pocket was designed by the Escadrille members to denote their American Heritage. From this design evolved the American Pilot Wings as we know today. Cowdin’s wings are one of 7 original wings.
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