If you knew or served with this Sailor and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
Lieutenant Louis T. Barin, Jr.
Naval Aviator No. 56
a noted experimental and stunt pilot
(August 20 1890 - June 12 1920)
"Death of Transatlantic Flyer"
"It is reported from San Diego, Cal., that Louis T. Barin, one of the pilots of the NC-1 in its transatlantic flight, was instantly killed when a fast airplane, which he was piloting, collided with an army plane, piloted by Cadet Joseph L. Walker, of Rockwell Field."
from US Air Services, September, 1920
LT. Barin was killed in a mid-air collision with a pilot from Rockwell Field. Rockwell Field was an Army air base located in Coronado, California, near San Diego. It shared the area known as North Island with Naval Air Station North Island from 1912 to 1935.
Other Comments:
Awarded the Navy Cross
Awarded posthumously for actions during Peace Time
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Louis T. Barin, United States Navy (Reserve Force), for distinguished service in the line of his profession as a Member of the Crew of the Seaplane NC-1, which made a long overseas flight from New Foundland to the vicinity of the Azores, in May 1919. Also for extraordinary heroism as Pilot of a Seaplane which was being utilized for the test of a new method of aerodynamic control. Realizing, from the performance of this device when on the water, that as a pilot he was practically helpless to control the machine, he nevertheless took it into the air, and continued the experiment in order that the test might be complete. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Navy Book of Distinguished Service (Harry Stringer) Action Date: May 8 - 27, 1919 Service: US Naval Reserve Force (USNRF) Rank: Lieutenant Company: Seaplane NC-1