Karl John Schoen
American flying ace
First Lieutenant Karl John Schoen (20 October 1894 – 29 October 1918) was a World War I flying ace credited with seven aerial victories while flying a Spad XIII for the USAAS during World War I. As such, he was one of the first American aces flying for his home country.
Early life
Karl John Schoen was the son of John and Effie Morgan Johnston Schoen. He graduated from Purdue University and enlisted on 22 April 1917.
Aerial service
Schoen joined the 139th Aero Squadron on 13 February 1918. Beginning 18 September, he shot down six enemy airplanes in cooperation with such other 139th pilots as Harold H. George and Robert Opie Lindsay. He scored his final two victories on 29 October 1918, and was shot down moments later.
Circumstances of his death
Unlike the combat death of most World War I aces, the circumstances of Schoen's are well known. A ground observer of the battle, Lieutenant Leser of the Coast Artillery, wrote a letter to Schoen's mother the day of his death, giving a vivid account of both the death and the atmosphere of a World War I dogfight.
"My Dear Mrs. Schoen: I want to extend my most sincere sympathy in your great sorrow over the death of your brave boy, and also give you a full description of the plucky fight he put up...."
"On the afternoon of Oct.
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