Edward Haight (aviator)
Encyclopedia
Colonel Edward Meeker Haight was a flying ace
when he served as a lieutenant in World War I. He was credited with five aerial victories, all against German fighter planes.
Haight scored his victories in just over a month, from 28 September through 30 October 1918, while flying a Spad.
Postwar, Haight pursued a career in the U. S. flying service, although he interrupted his service time at some point for approximately six years. He flew as an airline pilot in Central America, and maintained his reserve commission. He was recalled to active duty for World War II.
During World War II, he rose to the rank of colonel and briefly commanded Randolph AFB in 1942. In 1950, he was culled from the officer's ranks and chose to enlist as a noncommissioned officer rather than leave the military; this allowed him to complete his 30 years for retirement. He retired on 3 May 1954 at Randolph AFB, after serving four years as a master sergeant in the School of Aviation Medicine.
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...
when he served as a lieutenant in World War I. He was credited with five aerial victories, all against German fighter planes.
Haight scored his victories in just over a month, from 28 September through 30 October 1918, while flying a Spad.
Postwar, Haight pursued a career in the U. S. flying service, although he interrupted his service time at some point for approximately six years. He flew as an airline pilot in Central America, and maintained his reserve commission. He was recalled to active duty for World War II.
During World War II, he rose to the rank of colonel and briefly commanded Randolph AFB in 1942. In 1950, he was culled from the officer's ranks and chose to enlist as a noncommissioned officer rather than leave the military; this allowed him to complete his 30 years for retirement. He retired on 3 May 1954 at Randolph AFB, after serving four years as a master sergeant in the School of Aviation Medicine.