Sergent McKee was one of the famed LaFayette Flying Corps. He enlisted April 12, 1917 and was trained at the Schools of Military Aviation at Avord and Pau. He was brevetted a Military Aviator on August 30th, 1917 in the Caudron. He served at the Front with Escadrille 314 from October 15, 1917 until he was shot down and made prisoner on February 8, 1918. During his service he claimed 12 victories, 5 of which were not confirmed.
According to Norduff and Hall, the History of the LaFayette Flying Corps: “His squadron was engaged in the protection of Nancy, and it’s machines, of a rather antiquated type, were not supposed to cross the lines. McKee, in his eagerness for combat did not always obey rules, and on the 8th of February, 1918 was shot down by German anti-aircraft guns near Chateau-Balins, far inside the German lines. By good luck he landed unhurt, but was caught by the Germans and made prisoner. In September he made his escape from a prison camp, but was recaptured three days later and did not succeed in leaving Germany until after the Armistice”.
After the war, McKee was a racecar driver at the Indianapolis “500” in 1934. He instituted radio communication from pit to car when he drove the Sampson Special.
He was recalled to duty during W.W.II and was assigned to the 44th Bomb Group, promoted to Captain and flew in the raid on Ploesti oil fields in Romania. He retired from the Air Force as a Lt. Col. In 1958. He died in 1965.
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