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Lt John Sidney Owen

139th Aero Squadron, A.E.F.

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The Royal Flying Corps in Toronto, Canada, trained Sid Owen with a class called the “Toronto 300”; many of our future American Aces were part of this prestigious class. He was made a member of the 139th Aero Squadron, A.E.F., and left for France February 14th, 1918.

After a course of combat flying at Issoudon (his log books is signed by Lt. Quentin Roosevelt) his Squadron arrived at the front (Toul) July ll. He made his 1st patrol that same day. His “first” victory was actually a doublet and occurred in quick succession during an afternoon patrol over Preny (near Thiacourt). They were a “brace” of Pflaz fighters. His third victory was a Rumpler biplace, down in flames on the 25th. His 4th came the next day, on the 26th, another Rumpler. His fifth and final official victory occurred on October 10, and was a Fokker DVII of “Richthoffen’s Circus”.

His logbook accounts for 4 additional victories, which were not confirmed. Incidentally, he was one of 6 U.S. Aero Squadron Aces who received no decorations.

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