Charles J. Biddle (aviator)
Encyclopedia
Major Charles John Biddle (1890–1972) was an American
aviator, attorney, and author. He was a flying ace
during World War I
. Postwar, he launched a career in law and wrote his memoirs.
, Pennsylvania
on 13 May 1890.
His father was Charles Biddle (1857–1923) and mother was Letitia Glenn. His grandfather Charles John Biddle
(1819–1873) was a soldier and member of congress. Andalusia was the estate of his great-grandfather, banker Nicholas Biddle
(1786–1844).
He graduated from Princeton University
in 1911, and from Harvard Law School
three years later. He was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar, but interrupted his nascent career to serve in World War I
.
in France on 8 April 1917. He was assigned to Escadrille 73 on 28 July 1917, under the command and mentorship of Albert Deullin
. On 7 November 1917, he was transferred to U. S. aviation and commissioned as a captain; however, he remained assigned to Escadrille 73. Biddle initially fought several indecisive combats with a Spad VII, but success evaded him until 5 December 1917. Flying a SPAD XIII, he downed the Albatros two-seater of Leutnants Fritz Pauly and Ernst Sauter of FFA 45 despite a malfunction by both his Spad's machine guns. He then transferred to the 103rd Aero Squadron
on 10 January 1918 and reverted to the Spad VII for his 12 April win over a Halberstadt CL.II
over Corbeny
. He moved on to the 13th Aero Squadron (nicknamed "The Devil's Own Grim Reapers"). On 1 August, he shared his first two victories with William Stovall, John Seerly, and H. B. Freeman. He shot down three more enemy planes afterwards, and rose to the rank of major
. as well as the command of the 4th Pursuit Group. He was at one point entrusted with the only SPAD XII issued to Americans. The French awarded him both the Legion of Honor and the Croix de Guerre
, and he received the American Distinguished Service Cross
and the Belgian Order of Leopold II
.
After the war, Biddle wrote a book entitled The Way of the Eagle.
of Drinker Biddle & Reath
(not using that name at the time) in 1924. He was the firm's first lateral partner and brought clients that included the Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire (founded by Benjamin Franklin
) and the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society
. Biddle became a partner in 1925 and was a major force at the firm for decades. In the 1950s, he led the defense of Merck Sharp & Dohme in a major case concerning price-fixing. At a trial in Trenton, New Jersey
, he argued successfully for Merck's acquittal with Thomas E. Dewey who represented Eli Lilly.
In 2003, partner Wilson M. Brown III used a Charles Biddle precedent in a case on behalf of survivors of widows of soldiers killed in a 1948 B-29 crash. The US government claimed national security for its defense.
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Charles John Biddle, Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the region of Damvillers, France, September 26, 1918. During an engagement between 11 Spads and 12 enemy Fokkers, Captain Biddle, perceiving a comrade in distress from the attack of two planes, dived upon them and by his fire forced them to withdraw. His prompt action saved the life of his comrade, who was in imminent danger of being shot to the ground. (General Orders No. 60, W.D., 1920)
Ordre de Léopold citation
For extraordinary heroism in action on 12 April 1918 near Corbeny, France, and on 15 May 1918, near Ypres, Belgium. Captain Biddle has daily shown himself an excellent and remarkable example of courage, energy and skill, leading his pilots to the attack at every opportunity and making his flight a most efficient one. On 12 April, he attacked and destroyed an enemy two-seater which crashed between the trenches at Corbeny. On 15 May, while leading his patrol, he attacked, at very low altitude and far within the enemy lines, an enemy two-seater, killing the observer and forcing him down. A few minutes later he engaged a second enemy plane at very close range. Wounded in his leg, his plane and motor riddled, Captain Biddle was forced to land in 'No Man's Land' less than 70 yards from the German trenches in the region of Ypres. With remarkable courage and presence of mind and despite his wound, he detached himself from his smashed machine and made his way from shell hole under intense artillery, machine gun and rifle fire, to an advanced British Observation post.
French Croix de Guerre citation, 4 June 1918
Pilot of marvelous spirit. Attacked two enemy two-seaters successfully behind their lines, probably shooting down the first. Wounded and disabled in the course of the second combat, by sheer strength he succeeded in landing in no man's land and after passing the day in a shell hole, by night he got back to the Allied trenches.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
aviator, attorney, and author. He was a flying ace
Flying ace
A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...
during World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
. Postwar, he launched a career in law and wrote his memoirs.
Family and early life
Charles John Biddle was born in AndalusiaAndalusia (estate)
Andalusia, also known as the Nicholas Biddle Estate, is a historic mansion and surrounding estate located on the Delaware River just north of Philadelphia in the village named Andalusia for it in Bensalem Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania....
, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
on 13 May 1890.
His father was Charles Biddle (1857–1923) and mother was Letitia Glenn. His grandfather Charles John Biddle
Charles John Biddle
Charles John Biddle was an American soldier, lawyer, Congressman, and newspaper editor.-Biography:Biddle was born and died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Nicholas Biddle, president of the Second Bank of the United States, and nephew of Congressman Richard Biddle...
(1819–1873) was a soldier and member of congress. Andalusia was the estate of his great-grandfather, banker Nicholas Biddle
Nicholas Biddle (banker)
Nicholas Biddle was an American financier who served as the president of the Second Bank of the United States.-Ancestry and early life:...
(1786–1844).
He graduated from Princeton University
Princeton University
Princeton University is a private research university located in Princeton, New Jersey, United States. The school is one of the eight universities of the Ivy League, and is one of the nine Colonial Colleges founded before the American Revolution....
in 1911, and from Harvard Law School
Harvard Law School
Harvard Law School is one of the professional graduate schools of Harvard University. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, it is the oldest continually-operating law school in the United States and is home to the largest academic law library in the world. The school is routinely ranked by the U.S...
three years later. He was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar, but interrupted his nascent career to serve in World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
.
World War I service
Biddle joined the Lafayette Flying CorpsLafayette Flying Corps
The Lafayette Flying Corps is a name used to describe the American volunteer pilots who flew for the French during World War I. It includes the pilots who flew with the bona fide Lafayette Escadrille squadron. The estimations of number of pilots range from 180 to over 300. The generally accepted...
in France on 8 April 1917. He was assigned to Escadrille 73 on 28 July 1917, under the command and mentorship of Albert Deullin
Albert Deullin
Capitaine Albert Louis Deullin was a World War I flying ace credited with twenty aerial victories. By war's end, he had risen to command of a fighter wing....
. On 7 November 1917, he was transferred to U. S. aviation and commissioned as a captain; however, he remained assigned to Escadrille 73. Biddle initially fought several indecisive combats with a Spad VII, but success evaded him until 5 December 1917. Flying a SPAD XIII, he downed the Albatros two-seater of Leutnants Fritz Pauly and Ernst Sauter of FFA 45 despite a malfunction by both his Spad's machine guns. He then transferred to the 103rd Aero Squadron
103rd Aero Squadron
The 103rd Aero Squadron was an Aero pursuit squadron which included officers from the disbanded Lafayette Escadrille, and the Lafayette Flying Corps.-History:...
on 10 January 1918 and reverted to the Spad VII for his 12 April win over a Halberstadt CL.II
Halberstadt CL.II
|-See also:-Bibliography:*Angelucci, Enzo . World Encyclopedia of Military Aircraft. London: Jane's, 1981. ISBN 0 7106 0148 4.*Gray, Peter and Thetford, Owen. German Aircraft of the First World War. London: Putnam, 1962....
over Corbeny
Corbeny
Corbeny is a commune in the Aisne department in Picardy in northern France.-Geography:The river Ailette flows southward through the northwestern part of the commune....
. He moved on to the 13th Aero Squadron (nicknamed "The Devil's Own Grim Reapers"). On 1 August, he shared his first two victories with William Stovall, John Seerly, and H. B. Freeman. He shot down three more enemy planes afterwards, and rose to the rank of major
Major (United States)
In the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, major is a field grade military officer rank just above the rank of captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel...
. as well as the command of the 4th Pursuit Group. He was at one point entrusted with the only SPAD XII issued to Americans. The French awarded him both the Legion of Honor and the Croix de Guerre
Croix de guerre
The Croix de guerre is a military decoration of France. It was first created in 1915 and consists of a square-cross medal on two crossed swords, hanging from a ribbon with various degree pins. The decoration was awarded during World War I, again in World War II, and in other conflicts...
, and he received the American Distinguished Service Cross
Distinguished Service Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army, for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree...
and the Belgian Order of Leopold II
Order of Leopold II
The Order of Leopold II is an order of Belgium and is named in honor of King Léopold II. The decoration was established on 24 August 1900 by Leopold II as king of the Congo Free State and was in 1908, upon Congo being handed over to Belgium, incorporated into the Belgian awards system...
.
After the war, Biddle wrote a book entitled The Way of the Eagle.
Legal career
Biddle initially practiced law in the Drexel Building with his father's firm. Following his father's death, he joined the law firmLaw firm
A law firm is a business entity formed by one or more lawyers to engage in the practice of law. The primary service rendered by a law firm is to advise clients about their legal rights and responsibilities, and to represent clients in civil or criminal cases, business transactions, and other...
of Drinker Biddle & Reath
Drinker Biddle & Reath
Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP is a national law firm founded in Philadelphia in 1849 by John Christian Bullitt. The firm has 650 lawyers located in 11 offices in the United States: Philadelphia; Chicago; Washington, D.C.; Florham Park; Princeton; New York City; Albany; Los Angeles; San Francisco;...
(not using that name at the time) in 1924. He was the firm's first lateral partner and brought clients that included the Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire (founded by Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin
Dr. Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. A noted polymath, Franklin was a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, musician, inventor, satirist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat...
) and the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society
Philadelphia Savings Fund Society
The Philadelphia Savings Fund Society , originally called the Philadelphia Saving Fund Society, was a savings bank headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. PSFS was founded in December 1816, becoming the first savings bank to organize and do business in the United States...
. Biddle became a partner in 1925 and was a major force at the firm for decades. In the 1950s, he led the defense of Merck Sharp & Dohme in a major case concerning price-fixing. At a trial in Trenton, New Jersey
Trenton, New Jersey
Trenton is the capital of the U.S. state of New Jersey and the county seat of Mercer County. As of the 2010 United States Census, Trenton had a population of 84,913...
, he argued successfully for Merck's acquittal with Thomas E. Dewey who represented Eli Lilly.
In 2003, partner Wilson M. Brown III used a Charles Biddle precedent in a case on behalf of survivors of widows of soldiers killed in a 1948 B-29 crash. The US government claimed national security for its defense.
Honors and awards
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) citationThe Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Charles John Biddle, Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the region of Damvillers, France, September 26, 1918. During an engagement between 11 Spads and 12 enemy Fokkers, Captain Biddle, perceiving a comrade in distress from the attack of two planes, dived upon them and by his fire forced them to withdraw. His prompt action saved the life of his comrade, who was in imminent danger of being shot to the ground. (General Orders No. 60, W.D., 1920)
Ordre de Léopold citation
For extraordinary heroism in action on 12 April 1918 near Corbeny, France, and on 15 May 1918, near Ypres, Belgium. Captain Biddle has daily shown himself an excellent and remarkable example of courage, energy and skill, leading his pilots to the attack at every opportunity and making his flight a most efficient one. On 12 April, he attacked and destroyed an enemy two-seater which crashed between the trenches at Corbeny. On 15 May, while leading his patrol, he attacked, at very low altitude and far within the enemy lines, an enemy two-seater, killing the observer and forcing him down. A few minutes later he engaged a second enemy plane at very close range. Wounded in his leg, his plane and motor riddled, Captain Biddle was forced to land in 'No Man's Land' less than 70 yards from the German trenches in the region of Ypres. With remarkable courage and presence of mind and despite his wound, he detached himself from his smashed machine and made his way from shell hole under intense artillery, machine gun and rifle fire, to an advanced British Observation post.
French Croix de Guerre citation, 4 June 1918
Pilot of marvelous spirit. Attacked two enemy two-seaters successfully behind their lines, probably shooting down the first. Wounded and disabled in the course of the second combat, by sheer strength he succeeded in landing in no man's land and after passing the day in a shell hole, by night he got back to the Allied trenches.