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First Name: Jesse

Last Name: Creech

Birthplace: Harlan, KY, USA

Gender: Male

Branch: Air Service, U.S. Army (1918 - 1926)



Middle Name: Orin



Date of Birth: 22 August 1895

Date of Death: 16 February 1948

Rank: First Lieutenant

Years Served:
Jesse Orin Creech

   
Engagements:
•  World War I (1914 - 1918)

Biography:

Jesse Orin Creech

First Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Service

Jesse Orin Creech was born on 22 August 1895.

A native of Harlan, KY, Creech lived in Washington, DC, before World War I began. He initially joined the British Royal Flying Corps in 1917. After training in Canada, he subsequently transferred to the U.S. Army Air Service, and was posted to the 148th Aero Squadron as a Sopwith Camel pilot in the summer of 1918.

Between 15 August and 28 October 1918, he destroyed six enemy airplanes and drove one down out of control, including one shared with Field Eugene Kindley. Credited with seven aerial victories, the fighter ace shot down the final victory of the war for his squadron.

Medals and Awards

Creech was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Jesse Orin Creech, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Cambrai, France, September 26, 1918; south of Masnieres, France, September 28, 1918; and near Jenlain, France, October 28, 1918. Being on enemy patrol on September 26, 1918, when a large number of enemy airplanes were encountered, in the fight that ensued Lieutenant Creech shot down two of the enemy planes and saved the commander of the patrol from being shot down. On October 28, 1918, near Jenlain, France, Lieutenant Creech's flight of 5 planes was attacked by 8 Fokker biplanes. In this encounter Lieutenant Creech also shot down 2 enemy planes. On September 28, 1918, south of Masnieres, France, Lieutenant Creech with his flight attacked an enemy balloon and compelled the observers to jump. Enemy troops were then attacked in close formation, causing many casualties and scattering all the troops. In all of these encounters Lieutenant Creech displayed high courage, great valor, and utter disregard of danger. He constantly went to the assistance of members of his flight and exposed himself with great fearlessness, and yet with all displayed keen judgment and tireless energy. He proved himself a leader of unusual ability, and was a constant inspiration to the members of his command. (General Orders No. 19, W.D., 1926)

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Citation: On 28 October 1918, this officer's flight attacked seven Fokker biplanes; after shooting one off his Flight Commander's tail, he attacked another which crashed NW of Jenlain. On another occasion in a general engagement, the EA dived through a cloud and Lt. Creech followed him and succeeded in getting another burst which caused the EA to crash near Bourlon Wood. This officer has served over four months with his Squadron and has destroyed six EA and driven down one out of control. He has often acted as patrol leader and shown great judgment and skill, and his gallantry and devotion to duty have at all times been very noteworthy.

Death and Burial

First Lieutenant Jesse Orin Creech died on 16 February 1948. He is buried at Lexington Cemetery in Lexington, KY.



Honoree ID: 2389   Created by: MHOH

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