August Thayer Jaccaci

August Thayer Iaccaci, Sr.
Born(1893-06-06)6 June 1893
Hingham, Massachusetts
Died30 April 1980(1980-04-30) (aged 86)
Madison, Connecticut
Allegiance United States
Service / branchRoyal Air Force (United Kingdom)
RankCaptain
UnitNo. 20 Squadron RAF
No. 48 Squadron RAF
Battles / wars World War I
AwardsDistinguished Flying Cross

Captain August Thayer Iaccaci, Sr. (6 June 1893 – 30 April 1980) was a US-born World War I flying ace who, together with his gunners, was credited with 17 aerial victories.

Biography

He was born to Augusto Florian Iaccaci (1857–1930) and Mabel Thayer on 6 June 1893 in Hingham, Massachusetts.[1][2] He had a brother, Paul Thayer Iaccaci. He attended Princeton University, while his brother attended Harvard University.

He worked for H. K. McCann Co. until he went to Canada and joined the Royal Flying Corps along with his older brother Paul in 1917. They both were assigned to No. 20 Squadron in Calais, France to pilot Bristol F.2 Fighters.

He scored his first victory on 19 May 1918, over a Pfalz D.III fighter; on 31 May, he became an ace with his fourth and fifth wins; coincidentally, his brother matched his feat with his fourth and fifth victories on the same day. By September, he ran his total to 11 destroyed, 5 (and 1 shared) "out of control". His score of 17 equaled his brother's. His usual observer was Sgt. Arthur Ernest Newland, an ace in his own right. With the exception of one reconnaissance two-seater, August Iaccaci triumphed over German fighter planes and pilots. He was then appointed a flight commander with No. 48 Squadron in October. Late that month, an eye wound hospitalized him in Britain for the remainder of the war.[3]

He returned home to New York City on 9 May 1919 aboard the RMS Baltic. His father died on 22 July 1930 at Châteauneuf-Grasse in France and named his son[clarification needed] as his heir.[4]

He married and had a son, August Thayer Jaccaci, Jr.

He died on 30 August 1980 in Madison, Connecticut of natural causes.[5][6]

Honors and awards

Distinguished Flying Cross

Lieut. August Thayer Iaccaci. This officer has taken part in many engagements, and he and his observer have been most successful in destroying enemy machines. A resolute and skilful airman.[7]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Artist Iaccaci's Will Leaves $50,000 to Son in New Canaan". The New York Times. Associated Press. 22 August 1930. Retrieved 9 December 2012. August Florian Iaccaci, who died July 22 In France, the bulk of his estate to his two sons. August T. Jaccaci, of New Canaan, Conn., and ...[dead link‍]
  2. ^ "August Florian Iaccaci". Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 9 December 2012. August Florian Iaccaci was born in Fontainebleau, France in 1856. ...
  3. ^ "August Iaccaci". Theaerodrome.
  4. ^ "Iaccaci Will Names Son As Principal Heir. Artist, Friend of Roosevelt, Bequeathed Income to Second Son and Wife". The New York Times. 22 August 1930. Retrieved 10 December 2012. Augusto Florian Jaccaci, noted decorative artist, who died on July 22 at Chateauneuf de Grass, France, made his son, August Thayer Iaccaci of New Canaan, Conn., chief beneficiary ...
  5. ^ Over the Front. League of World War I Aviation Historians. 2002. Paul & August Thayer Iaccaci. ... August Thayer Jaccaci died of natural causes on 30 April 1980 in Madison, Connecticut at age 87. His ashes were interred in the St. Andrew's Church memorial garden in Madison. Little has been written about the World War service of Paul ...
  6. ^ "August Thayer Jaccaci". Connecticut. 30 April 1980. Name: August T Jaccaci. Father's Surname: Jaccaci. Death Date: 30 Apr 1980. Death Place: Madison, Connecticut Age: 86 Years. Birth Place: Massachusetts. Birth Date: 6 Jun 1893.Marital Status: Married. Spouse: Helen. State File #: 08310. Residence : Madison, Connecticut. Race: White
  7. ^ Supplement to the London Gazette, 3 August 1918 30827/9200