Learning Center Our Enshrinees

Frank Luke Jr.

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Pilot

Born: May 19, 1897 in Phoenix, Arizona
Death: September 29, 1918
Enshrined:  1975

Earned his wings in 1917 at Rockwell Field, California and was assigned to America’s famed 27th Aero Squadron in July 1918.

Scored 13 confirmed victories during a seven-day period (two days of which he did not fly) including an amazing five victories (two balloons and three airplanes) on the last day.

Nicknamed the “Sausage Buster,” and “the Arizona Balloon Buster”.

Shot down 14 enemy balloons and four airplanes altogether .

Was killed near Murvaux, France by enemy soldiers when he refused to surrender and tried to hold them off with a pistol.

Received the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously.