Hamilton "Ham" Coolidge
World War I flying ace, killed in action at the age of 23 years old.
___________________________________________

Country: United States
Rank: Captain
Service: United States Air Service
Units: 94th Aero
Victories: 9
Born: 01 September 1895
Place of Birth: Brookline, Massachusetts
Died: 27 October 1918
Place of Death: Chevieres
__________________________________________

THANKS TO Kevin White for the following information:

Hamilton Coolidge is buried where his plane crashed, between Grandpre and Chevieres, France. He appears to have a separate monument, not necessarily tied to a specific cemetery.
__________________________________________

THANKS TO BarryC for the following:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Air Service) Hamilton Coolidge, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 94th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Grand Pre, France, 27 October 1918. Leading a protection patrol, Captain Coolidge went to the assistance of two observation planes which were being attacked by six German machines. Observing this maneuver, the enemy sent up a terrific barrage from anti-aircraft guns on the ground. Disregarding the extreme danger, he dived straight into the barrage, and his plane was struck and sent down in flames.
__________________________________________

NOTE: The photo of the monument and grave was taken by Claude Gascon. To see several other photos by Mr. Gascon go to this site:

http://www.aerosteles.net/steleen-chevieres-coolidge
__________________________________________

THANKS TO Charles and to fourtime for information on this memorial.