LM 8048, Sgt-Pilote Kiffin Yates Rockwell, Escadrille Lafayette.
Born at Newport, Tennessee on 20 Sept 1892, Kiffin was a graduate of the Washington and Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute before gaining employment with an advertising company in Atlanta where he worked between 1911 and 1914. Upon the outbreak of war he travelled to France and enlisted, together with his brother Paul, in Paris into the 2e Regiment de Marche de 2e Legion Etranger on 27 August 1914. He saw service in the Champagne, and he was wounded in the leg by a shell December 1914 before being transferred to 2nd/1st on his recovery. Wounded again (GSW leg) on 9 May 1915 at La Targette, Kiffin then transferred to the Aviation service in September 1915. In April 1916, he joined the newly-formed American squadron and became the first American to shoot down an enemy in combat. Wounded yet again (in the face) soon afterwards, later he was hit in the chest by an explosive bullet and killed instantly on 23 Sept 1916 near Luxeuil.
Originally buried at Luxeuil (where there is still a grave marker), Kiffin’s body was later moved to the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial at Hauts de Seine where he lies to this day.
23 September 1916
Research by David O'Mara, Croonaert Research Services.
