Name: James Dudley Beane Country: United States Rank: Lieutenant Service: French Air Service United States Air Service Squadrons: Spa69 (FAS) 22nd Aero (USAS) Victories: 6 Born: 20 January 1896 Place of Birth: New York City Died: 30 October 1918 Place of Death: Near Bantheville Notes Beane served with the US Ambulance Service and the Lafayette Escadrille before transferring to the United States Air Service in February 1918. Wounded during a dogfight on 30 June 1918, he lost two fingers from his left hand and was out of commission for six weeks. On 30 October 1918, he was killed in combat when his SPAD S.XIII was shot down. His Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) was awarded posthumously. Croix de Guerre "He instantly made his mark in the Squadron by his courage and spirit in fighting. On 30 June 1918, while on patrol, was attacked by several enemy aircraft, and although seriously wounded (two fingers of the left hand cut off) succeeded in escaping and bringing back his disabled machine. In this instance he displayed much ability and great coolness." Croix de Guerre citation Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) "For extraordinary heroism in action near Bantheville, France, 29 October 1918. When Lt. Beane's patrol was attacked by eight enemy planes (Fokker type) he dived into their midst in order to divert their attention from the other machines of his group and shot down one of the Fokkers in flames. Four other Fokkers then joined the battle, one of which was also destroyed by this officer." DSC citation Aces ╖ Aircraft ╖ Books ╖ Chat ╖ Forum ╖ Guests ╖ Links ╖ Medals ╖ News ╖ Search ╖ Vote Copyright ⌐ 1997,1998 The Aerodrome Page revised on 18 Nov 1997