Captain David MacKay Mcgoun (born 4 December 1892, date of death unknown) was a Canadian World War I flying ace

Flying ace

A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...

 credited with nine aerial victories.

McGoun originally enlisted in the 24th Battalion (Victoria Rifles), CEF of the Canadian Expeditionary Force

Canadian Expeditionary Force

The Canadian Expeditionary Force was the designation of the field force created by Canada for service overseas in the First World War. Units of the C.E.F. were divided into field formation in France, where they were organized first into separate divisions and later joined together into a single...

 but transferred to the Royal Flying Corps

Royal Flying Corps

The Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...

 in October 1916. He was assigned to 20 Squadron as a pilot of a Bristol F.2 Fighter

Bristol F.2 Fighter

The Bristol F.2 Fighter was a British two-seat biplane fighter and reconnaissance aircraft of the First World War flown by the Royal Flying Corps. It is often simply called the Bristol Fighter or popularly the "Brisfit" or "Biff". Despite being a two-seater, the F.2B proved to be an agile aircraft...

. He scored his first victory on 27 October 1917; by 17 February 1918, he had run his total to five, becoming an ace.
On 8 March 1918, while still a Temporary Second Lieutenant, he was appointed Flight Commander and Temporary Captain in 22 Squadron. He scored four more triumphs with this squadron, with the last one occurring on 12 April 1918. His final tally was four enemy planes destroyed, five driven down out of control.

On 15 June 1918, McGoun left Liverpool and landed at Ellis Island

Ellis Island

Ellis Island in New York Harbor was the gateway for millions of immigrants to the United States. It was the nation's busiest immigrant inspection station from 1892 until 1954. The island was greatly expanded with landfill between 1892 and 1934. Before that, the much smaller original island was the...

, New York on the 25th. His passage was paid by the British government, which would seem to indicate that his military service had ended. His height is given as five feet eight inches. His sister was named as his next of kin, and his home of record was given as 1 Cote Saint Antoine Road, Westmount, Quebec. And although others on the passenger manifest are noted as being in transit to Canada, he is not.

McGoun was awarded a Military Cross on 26 July 1918.

On 1 May 1919, he was transferred to the Royal Air Force's unemployed list

Honors and awards

Military Cross (MC)

T./Capt. David Mackay McGoun, R.A.F.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as a leader of offensive patrols. It is entirely due to his determination and skill that his patrol has destroyed many enemy machines. His consistent keenness, his gallantry, and untiring energy have at all times set a magnificent example to all the pilots and observers in his squadron. He has personally destroyed many hostile machines, never hesitating to attack, and on all occasions displaying a fighting spirit which has earned the admiration of all in contact with him.

Reference