Balloon observer

[Charlezzzzz]

My first post here.

My uncle Jack, born about 1900, used to tell me that he was a balloon observer and had trained in Texas and was shipped to France. I don't know his outfit, his rank, or whether he saw action. I saw his ribbons a couple of times; I remember (or think remember) his WW1 Victory Medal and a couple of others. And I also remember a couple of anecdotes.

Does anybody know how I can find out more? His name was Jack Leeds Stoutenburgh.

During the great depression, I know he was in on that sad event -- the Veteran's March on Washington. During WW2 he tried to re-up but was too old, so he went to work in the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Charlezzzzz

[SCMc]

Hi Charlezzzzz,

Welcome to The Aerodrome.

I can't help you with your uncle, but thought I would suggest a book that you might find interesting: "A Grandstand Seat : the American Balloon Service in World War I" by Eileen F. Lebow. It's still in print, but expensive. It's also available in a number of libraries. You may be able to find a library close to you using WorldCat.

Steve Mc

[Charlezzzzz]

Thank you, Steve. And thanks for introducing me to worldcat. Amazing! A huge list of libraries that carry a certain book. (I hunted up my novel Stowaway published ages ago, and there it was, still alive in 38 libraries.)

First I need to explore worldcat.

And then hunt through The Aerodrome.

Glorious! Thanks again.

Charlezzzzz