Kiffin Yates Rockwell

Biography

Kiffin Yates Rockwell (1892-1916) was an American volunteer who joined the French Air Service and became known as one of the first United States citizens to shoot down an enemy aircraft. He flew with the Lafayette Escadrille, embracing the spirit of international fellowship that animated the unit.

He was killed in aerial combat in 1916 and is buried in the cemetery of Luxeuil-les-Bains, where his daring example continues to inspire those who remember the early aviators and their sacrifices.