In 1954 Pat was transferred to NAS Lakehurst. At long last, he was close to home; Lakehurst being within jogging distance of Rumson, New Jersey, where he lived with his wife Nan and daughter Nancy.
Still flying, in 1958 at the age of 62, Byrne was the Operations Duty Officer at the Lakehurst Naval Air Station. He was in charge of landing and take-off operations there.
Finally in March 1958, after more than 40 years service in the U.S. Navy, with more than 2 1/2 years in the air, Pat retired.
Criteria The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. ... The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. The performance must merit recognition by individuals in a key position which was performed in a clearly exceptional manner. MoreHide
Comments The Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Air, James A Smith, presented Pat with the Legion of Merit in 1954. Presented on 27 January 1955.
LCDR Patrick Joseph "Pappy" Byrne was awarded the Legion of Mer... The Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Air, James A Smith, presented Pat with the Legion of Merit in 1954. Presented on 27 January 1955.
LCDR Patrick Joseph "Pappy" Byrne was awarded the Legion of Merit, Good Conduct, African European Medal, World War I and II VicÂtory Medals, American Defense, Asiatic-Pacific CamÂpaign, New Jersey State Medal World War I.
Patrick J. Byrne, CDR, USN
"Pappy"
Date of Designation: 1920 Navy Pilot #10
Flight Hours: 22,600+
The last page of a Navy legend will be written this month, March 1958. On Monday, March 31, 1958, Chief Boatswain Patrick J. "Pappy" Byrne, USN of Rumson, New Jersey, the "grand old man of Naval Aviation" will don his Navy wings for the last time. He will retire at the Naval Air Station, Lakehurst, New Jersey, after a long and distinguished career which began on December 14, 1917.
Chief Boatswain Byrne, who has been flying Navy aircraft for 40 years, has logged more hours of flight time than anyone else in the Armed Forces. He has flown over 140 different types of aircraft for a total of over 22,600 hours, spending over two years and seven months of his life in the air. But of greater importance has been his pioneering work in Naval aviation, particularly in the field of seaplanes. Byrne established or helped to establish practically every U. S. seaplane base in the world, and laid out for the Navy and commercial airlines the world's major seaplane routes. A former commanding officer, Captain D. L. Mills, USN, now retired, said of Byrne that be "is without peer in the field of flying boats." For his outstanding service to the Government Byrne, in January 1955, received the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
From 1948-49 Bryne ferried seaplanes from the east coast to Seattle, Washington. This was a highly dangerous task for after leaving Corpus Christi, Texas, there were only four bodies of water large enough to permit emergency land- ings. In 1950, he flew survey flights over the Mediterranean for the purpose of establishing seaplane bases and anchorages to provide logistical support to the Mediterranean fleet.
Byrne fondly recalls the early years of flying. As one of the pioneers he first flew in planes which had nothing like the maze of complicated gauges and dials that confront the aviator of today. In those days there was merely an oil pressure gauge, He used a string tied to the bow of the plane to tell whether the plane was slipping, skidding or flying straight ahead. He judged his airspeed by the singing of the plane’s wires. Instead of a radio, telegrams were used to notify an airfield impending arrival of an “aeroplane”. In place of radio beacons at night and overcast days, pilots used their noses.
Byrne remembers more than once flying down the east coast at about 200 feet knowing only by the smell of coffee that he was over Brooklyn, and only by the odor of fish packing plants that he was over the Delaware Coast. The fumes of sulphuric acid from paper mills were a welcome sign for they signified the end of the flight at Charleston, South Carolina.
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
From 1948-49 Bryne ferried seaplanes from the east coast to Seattle, Washington. This was a highly dangerous task for after leaving Corpus Christi, Texas, there were only four bodies of water large enough to permit emergency land- ings. In 1950, he flew survey flights over the Mediterranean for the purpose of establishing seaplane bases and anchorages to provide logistical support to the Mediterranean fleet.
Byrne fondly recalls the early years of flying. As one of the pioneers he first flew in planes which had nothing like the maze of complicated gauges and dials that confront the aviator of today. In those days there was merely an oil pressure gauge, He used a string tied to the bow of the plane to tell whether the plane was slipping, skidding or flying straight ahead. He judged his airspeed by the singing of the plane’s wires. Instead of a radio, telegrams were used to notify an airfield impending arrival of an “aeroplane”. In place of radio beacons at night and overcast days, pilots used their noses.
Byrne remembers more than once flying down the east coast at about 200 feet knowing only by the smell of coffee that he was over Brooklyn, and only by the odor of fish packing plants that he was over the Delaware Coast. The fumes of sulphuric acid from paper mills were a welcome sign for they signified the end of the flight at Charleston, South Carolina.
By now Byrne had established such an excellent reputation of his flying ability that he was selected in 1942 to make the test, flights of the soon to become famous Martin “Mars” flying boat.
In 1943 he flew survey flights over the Atlantic and Mediterranean for the purpose of establishing seaplane routes and bases. The following year he was instrumental in the establishment of a largo ferry wing at Floyd Bennett Field.
The wing, which ferried aircraft all over the world, in one month transferred 5,257 aircraft, an amazing record.
Criteria The Good Conduct Medal was initially awarded to enlisted men of the Navy who completed a second (or subsequent) enlistment of three years under Continuous Service; obtained a general average of 4.5 on... The Good Conduct Medal was initially awarded to enlisted men of the Navy who completed a second (or subsequent) enlistment of three years under Continuous Service; obtained a general average of 4.5 on their Conduct Records, and who were recommended by their commanding officer. In time it came to be awarded for the honorable completion of a fixed term of service. MoreHide
Description The American Theater was a minor area of operations during World War II. This was mainly due to both North and South America's geographical separation from the central theaters of conflict in Europe aThe American Theater was a minor area of operations during World War II. This was mainly due to both North and South America's geographical separation from the central theaters of conflict in Europe and Asia. Thus, any threat by the Axis Powers to invade the mainland United States or other areas was considered negligible, allowing for American resources to be deployed in overseas theaters.
This article includes attacks on continental territory, extending 200 miles (320 km) into the ocean, which is today under the sovereignty of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and several other smaller states, but excludes military action involving the Danish territory of Greenland, the Hawaiian Islands, and the Aleutian Islands. The most well known battles in North America during World War II were the Attack on Pearl Harbor (the first attack on US soil since the Battle of Ambos Nogales), the Aleutian Islands Campaign, the Battle of the St. Lawrence, and the attacks on Newfoundland.... More
Memories In 1925, in order to diversify and get in some time in single engine planes. Pat transferred to the In 1925, in order to diversify and get in some time in single engine planes. Pat transferred to the old Langley and qualified as a Carrier pilot. Catapult equipped ships he served on were the Richmond, Trenton, Wyoming and the Augusta, in addition the Seaplane Tenders Shawmut, Wright and the Arostock. Sometime during the cruise to Australia he managed to squeeze in a survey of Tasmania; later it was the Marquisas, and the Galapagos. In 1942, we find him stationed at NAS Kaneohe, Hawaii, making occasional trips to Johnson Island. With that backgroud it is no wonder that the Commanding Officer NAS Miramar, Captain Mills, pronounced him to be "without a peer in the field of flying boats."... More
Criteria The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, ... The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty status for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description LCDR Patrick Joseph "Pappy" Byrne was awarded the Legion of Merit, Good Conduct, African European Medal, World War I and II VicÂtory Medals, American Defense, Asiatic-Pacific CamÂpaign, New Jersey S... LCDR Patrick Joseph "Pappy" Byrne was awarded the Legion of Merit, Good Conduct, African European Medal, World War I and II VicÂtory Medals, American Defense, Asiatic-Pacific CamÂpaign, New Jersey State Medal World War I. MoreHide
Other Memories After many years in design and production, and setbacks, the MARS made her maiden flight in 1943. She was tested and tested, and our squadron, VR-8, did some testing in 1943, with Pat “Pappy” Byrne at the controls. In 1944, she was sent to VR-2 squadron in Alameda, California, for actual service testing time between Alameda and Honolulu. These were all very successful tests and in June 1945, the MARS was sent back to VR-8 in Patuxent for training of pilots for the new MARS, designated the JRM-1, soon to be coming off the production line at the Martin factory in Baltimore, Maryland.
Other Memories In 1942, we find him stationed at NAS Kaneohe, Hawaii, making occasional trips to Johnson Island. With that background it is no wonder that the Commanding Officer NAS Miramar, Captain Mills, pronounced him to be "without a peer in the field of flying boats."
Other Memories About 1939, American Export Steamship Company decided to venture into air transportation. You guessed it, Pat was chosen to establish a route to Europe. It was rumored that he chose to go by way of Ireland just to kiss the "Blarney Stone", the Navy Department granted him a leave of absence for this survey. Incidentally, this route was latter used by Pan American Airways. Next he was called upon to conduct a survey for a seaplane base in Calao Harbor, Peru. The result was favorable, and the Lima-Tampa-New Orleans Airlines was established. Upon completion of the survey. Pat high-tailed back to New York making the first non-stop flight from Peru o New York City. While resting, he undertook the testing of the famous "Mars" seaplane at the Martin Aircraft Factory. However, all this time was not only in Big Boats. In 1925, in order to diversify and get in some time in single engine planes. Pat transferred to the old Langley and qualified as a Carrier pilot. Catapult equipped ships he served on were the Richmond, Trenton, Wyoming and the Augusta, in addition the Seaplane Tenders Shawmut, Wright and the Arostock. Sometime during the cruise to Australia he managed to squeeze in a survey of Tasmania; later it was the Marquisas, and the Galapagos. In 1942, we find him stationed at NAS Kaneohe, Hawaii, making occasional trips to Johnson Island. With that backgroud it is no wonder that the Commanding Officer NAS Miramar, Captain Mills, pronounced him to be "without a peer in the field of flying boats."
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description LCDR Patrick Joseph "Pappy" Byrne was awarded the Legion of Merit, Good Conduct, African European Medal, World War I and II VicÂtory Medals, American Defense, Asiatic-Pacific CamÂpaign, New Jersey S... LCDR Patrick Joseph "Pappy" Byrne was awarded the Legion of Merit, Good Conduct, African European Medal, World War I and II VicÂtory Medals, American Defense, Asiatic-Pacific CamÂpaign, New Jersey State Medal World War I. MoreHide
Other Memories While attached to a patrol squadron in the Pacific area, he was ordered in 1942 to the Naval Air Station, Norfolk, Virginia, to aid in the commissioning of the seaplane division of Air Transport Squadron ONE. This was the first unit of the Naval Air Transport Service later known as the Fleet Logistic Air Wing.
Criteria The Good Conduct Medal was initially awarded to enlisted men of the Navy who completed a second (or subsequent) enlistment of three years under Continuous Service; obtained a general average of 4.5 on... The Good Conduct Medal was initially awarded to enlisted men of the Navy who completed a second (or subsequent) enlistment of three years under Continuous Service; obtained a general average of 4.5 on their Conduct Records, and who were recommended by their commanding officer. In time it came to be awarded for the honorable completion of a fixed term of service. MoreHide
Criteria The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or,... The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or, an aggregate service of one year within the Continental United States during the same period under the following circumstances: On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States; or, On permanent assignment as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days; or, For service in active combat against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat; or, For service within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year. MoreHide
Other Memories About 1939, American Export Steamship Company decided to venture into air transportation. You guessed it, Pat was chosen to establish a route to Europe. It was rumored that he chose to go by way of Ireland just to kiss the "Blarney Stone", the Navy Department granted him a leave of absence for this survey. Incidentally, this route was latter used by Pan American Airways. Next he was called upon to conduct a survey for a seaplane base in Calao Harbor, Peru. The result was favorable, and the Lima-Tampa-New Orleans Airlines was established. Upon completion of the survey. Pat high-tailed back to New York making the first non-stop flight from Peru o New York City. While resting, he undertook the testing of the famous "Mars" seaplane at the Martin Aircraft Factory. However, all this time was not only in Big Boats. In 1925, in order to diversify and get in some time in single engine planes. Pat transferred to the old Langley and qualified as a Carrier pilot. Catapult equipped ships he served on were the Richmond, Trenton, Wyoming and the Augusta, in addition the Seaplane Tenders Shawmut, Wright and the Arostock. Sometime during the cruise to Australia he managed to squeeze in a survey of Tasmania; later it was the Marquisas, and the Galapagos. In 1942, we find him stationed at NAS Kaneohe, Hawaii, making occasional trips to Johnson Island. With that backgroud it is no wonder that the Commanding Officer NAS Miramar, Captain Mills, pronounced him to be "without a peer in the field of flying boats."
Criteria The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine ... The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine Corps members were eligible based on any length of service. MoreHide
Criteria The Good Conduct Medal was initially awarded to enlisted men of the Navy who completed a second (or subsequent) enlistment of three years under Continuous Service; obtained a general average of 4.5 on... The Good Conduct Medal was initially awarded to enlisted men of the Navy who completed a second (or subsequent) enlistment of three years under Continuous Service; obtained a general average of 4.5 on their Conduct Records, and who were recommended by their commanding officer. In time it came to be awarded for the honorable completion of a fixed term of service. MoreHide
Other Memories In 1922 he was assigned to the USS Wright, where he served as pilot for Patrol and Scouting Squadron ONE. He then served aboard the USS Langley, the Navy’s first aircraft carrier. His next assignment was aboard the cruiser, USS Richmond, where he worked on hydrographic surveys, beginning a long career of surveying for seaplane routes and seadromes, both for the Navy and for civilian organizations.
Criteria The Good Conduct Medal was initially awarded to enlisted men of the Navy who completed a second (or subsequent) enlistment of three years under Continuous Service; obtained a general average of 4.5 on... The Good Conduct Medal was initially awarded to enlisted men of the Navy who completed a second (or subsequent) enlistment of three years under Continuous Service; obtained a general average of 4.5 on their Conduct Records, and who were recommended by their commanding officer. In time it came to be awarded for the honorable completion of a fixed term of service. MoreHide
Other Memories In 1922 he was assigned to the USS Wright, where he served as pilot for Patrol and Scouting Squadron ONE. He then served aboard the USS Langley, the Navy’s first aircraft carrier. His next assignment was aboard the cruiser, USS Richmond, where he worked on hydrographic surveys, beginning a long career of surveying for seaplane routes and seadromes, both for the Navy and for civilian organizations.
Criteria The Good Conduct Medal was initially awarded to enlisted men of the Navy who completed a second (or subsequent) enlistment of three years under Continuous Service; obtained a general average of 4.5 on... The Good Conduct Medal was initially awarded to enlisted men of the Navy who completed a second (or subsequent) enlistment of three years under Continuous Service; obtained a general average of 4.5 on their Conduct Records, and who were recommended by their commanding officer. In time it came to be awarded for the honorable completion of a fixed term of service. MoreHide
Criteria The Good Conduct Medal was initially awarded to enlisted men of the Navy who completed a second (or subsequent) enlistment of three years under Continuous Service; obtained a general average of 4.5 on... The Good Conduct Medal was initially awarded to enlisted men of the Navy who completed a second (or subsequent) enlistment of three years under Continuous Service; obtained a general average of 4.5 on their Conduct Records, and who were recommended by their commanding officer. In time it came to be awarded for the honorable completion of a fixed term of service. MoreHide
In 1922 he was assigned to the USS Wright, where he served as pilot for Patrol and Scouting Squadron ONE. He then served aboard the USS Langley, the Navy’s first aircraft carrier. His next assignment was aboard the cruiser, USS Richmond, where he worked on hydrographic surveys, beginning a long career of surveying for seaplane routes and seadromes, both for the Navy and for civilian organizations.
In 1920 Byrne graduated from flight training with the first class of enlisted men, and was designated Naval Aviation Pilot #10. A shipmate in that first class was the late Floyd Bennett for whom the Long Island Navy field is named. As pilot #10: he instructed at the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida, for two years.
Other Memories Pat entered the service Dec. 14, 1917 in Oceanic, NJ. During World War I Pat was landsman for the Machinists Mates School at Pensacola. December 17-May 1918 Machinist Mate School, NAS Pensacola, Floridaand NAS Hampton Roads; May 1918-February 1919. Promoted to CPO/Master sergeant April 1919. Entered flight training Jan. 25, 1920 with the rate of ACMM. East Pier Patrol Sqd. NAS Hampton Roads; January 1920-October 1922. Designated NAP Oct. 1, 1920. Designated naval aviator November 1928 #3442.
Criteria The Good Conduct Medal was initially awarded to enlisted men of the Navy who completed a second (or subsequent) enlistment of three years under Continuous Service; obtained a general average of 4.5 on... The Good Conduct Medal was initially awarded to enlisted men of the Navy who completed a second (or subsequent) enlistment of three years under Continuous Service; obtained a general average of 4.5 on their Conduct Records, and who were recommended by their commanding officer. In time it came to be awarded for the honorable completion of a fixed term of service. MoreHide
Other Memories Pat entered the service Dec. 14, 1917 in Oceanic, NJ. During World War I Pat was landsman for the Machinists Mates School at Pensacola. December 17-May 1918 Machinist Mate School, NAS Pensacola, Floridaand NAS Hampton Roads; May 1918-February 1919. Promoted to CPO/Master sergeant April 1919. Entered flight training Jan. 25, 1920 with the rate of ACMM. East Pier Patrol Sqd. NAS Hampton Roads; January 1920-October 1922. Designated NAP Oct. 1, 1920. Designated naval aviator November 1928 #3442.
In 1919, he was ordered to the first Fleet Air Detachment in the Navy, aboard the flagship USS Shawmut. This unit, flew the first aerial flights in the Caribbean Sea area, conducting the first aerial maneuvers with the fleet.
Other Memories Pat entered the service Dec. 14, 1917 in Oceanic, NJ. During World War I Pat was landsman for the Machinists Mates School at Pensacola. December 17-May 1918 Machinist Mate School, NAS Pensacola, Floridaand NAS Hampton Roads; May 1918-February 1919. Promoted to CPO/Master sergeant April 1919. Entered flight training Jan. 25, 1920 with the rate of ACMM. East Pier Patrol Sqd. NAS Hampton Roads; January 1920-October 1922. Designated NAP Oct. 1, 1920. Designated naval aviator November 1928 #3442.
Criteria The World War I Victory Medal was awarded for military service during the First World War. It was awarded for active service between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918; for service with the American... The World War I Victory Medal was awarded for military service during the First World War. It was awarded for active service between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918; for service with the American Expeditionary Forces in European Russia between November 12, 1918, and August 5, 1919; or for service with the American Expeditionary Forces in Siberia between November 23, 1918, and April 1, 1920. MoreHide
Description The United States of America declared war on the German Empire on April 6, 1917. The U.S. was an independent power and did not officially join the Allies. It closely cooperated with them militarily buThe United States of America declared war on the German Empire on April 6, 1917. The U.S. was an independent power and did not officially join the Allies. It closely cooperated with them militarily but acted alone in diplomacy. The U.S. made its major contributions in terms of supplies, raw material and money, starting in 1917. American soldiers under General John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), arrived in large numbers on the Western Front in the summer of 1918. They played a major role until victory was achieved on November 11, 1918. Before entering the war, the U.S had remained neutral, though it had been an important supplier to Great Britain and the other Allied powers. During the war, the U.S mobilized over 4 million military personnel and suffered 110,000 deaths, including 43,000 due to the influenza pandemic. The war saw a dramatic expansion of the United States government in an effort to harness the war effort and a significant increase in the size of the U.S. military. After a slow start in mobilising the economy and labour force, by spring 1918 the nation was poised to play a role in the conflict. Under the leadership of President Woodrow Wilson, the war represented the climax of the Progressive Era as it sought to bring reform and democracy to the world, although there was substantial public opposition to United States entry into the war.
Although the United States declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917, it did not initially declare war on the other Central Powers, a state of affairs that Woodrow Wilson described as an "embarrassing obstacle" in his State of the Union speech. Congress declared war on the Austro-Hungarian Empire on December 17, 1917, but never made declarations of war against the other Central Powers, Bulgaria, the Ottoman Empire or the various Co-belligerents allied with the central powers, thus the United States remained uninvolved in the military campaigns in central, eastern and southern Europe, the Middle East, the Caucasus, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Pacific.
The United States as late as 1917 maintained only a small army, smaller than thirteen of the nations and empires already active in the war. After the passage of the Selective Service Act in 1917, it drafted 2.8 million men into military service. By the summer of 1918 about a million U.S. soldiers had arrived in France, about half of whom eventually saw front-line service; by the Armistice of November 11 approximately 10,000 fresh soldiers were arriving in France daily. In 1917 Congress gave U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans when they were drafted to participate in World War I, as part of the Jones Act. In the end Germany miscalculated the United States' influence on the outcome of the conflict, believing it would be many more months before U.S. troops would arrive and overestimating the effectiveness of U-boats in slowing the American buildup.
The United States Navy sent a battleship group to Scapa Flow to join with the British Grand Fleet, destroyers to Queenstown, Ireland and submarines to help guard convoys. Several regiments of Marines were also dispatched to France. The British and French wanted U.S. units used to reinforce their troops already on the battle lines and not to waste scarce shipping on bringing over supplies. The U.S. rejected the first proposition and accepted the second. General John J. Pershing, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) commander, refused to break up U.S. units to serve as mere reinforcements for British Empire and French units. As an exception, he did allow African-American combat regiments to fight in French divisions. The Harlem Hellfighters fought as part of the French 16th Division, earning a unit Croix de Guerre for their actions at Château-Thierry, Belleau Wood, and Séchault.
Impact of US forces on the war
On the battlefields of France in spring 1918, the war-weary Allied armies enthusiastically welcomed the fresh American troops. They arrived at the rate of 10,000 a day, at a time when the Germans were unable to replace their losses. After British Empire, French and Portuguese forces had defeated and turned back the powerful final German offensive (Spring Offensive of March to July, 1918), the Americans played a role in the Allied final offensive (Hundred Days Offensive of August to November). However, many American commanders used the same flawed tactics which the British, French, Germans and others had abandoned early in the war, and so many American offensives were not particularly effective. Pershing continued to commit troops to these full- frontal attacks, resulting in high casualties against experienced veteran German and Austrian-Hungarian units. Nevertheless, the infusion of new and fresh U.S. troops greatly strengthened the Allies' strategic position and boosted morale. The Allies achieved victory over Germany on November 11, 1918 after German morale had collapsed both at home and on the battlefield.... More
Memories It seems that Pat got his yearning to fly in 1915, when a friend in his home town in Rumson, New JerIt seems that Pat got his yearning to fly in 1915, when a friend in his home town in Rumson, New Jersey, checked him out in a "Burgess Dunne" somewhere on the Shrewsbury River.
Out to lick the Kaiser, Pat enlisted during World War I as landsman for the Machinists Mates School at Pensacola. He rapidly advanced from a boot, who never dropped a piggy-bank passenger, to plane Captain and taxi-pilot.
With his pleasing Irish personality, Pat by now a Chief Petty Officer, found himself selected for the first enlisted men's flight class.
How could he miss? By this time he probably had as much time in the air as his instructors, then on October 10, 1920, he received those much cherished wings which he would henceforth wear with pride, honor, and distinction. Naturally he was selected as chief instructor for the enlisted and Warrant Officer neophytes.... More
In 1954 Pat was transferred to NAS Lakehurst. At long last, he was close to home; Lakehurst being within jogging distance of Rumson, New Jersey, where he lived with his wife Nan and daughter Nancy.
Still flying, in 1958 at the age of 62, Byrne was the Operations Duty Officer at the Lakehurst Naval Air Station. He was in charge of landing and take-off operations there.
Finally in March 1958, after more than 40 years service in the U.S. Navy, with more than 2 1/2 years in the air, Pat retired.