Lieut. Frank Luke, Jr.

LIEUT FRANK LUKE ARIZONA'S HEROIC WAR EAGLE

This is a simple story of a magnificent American-the story of an amazing career so spectacular and unbelievably true that it grows more inspiring-more significant with each telling; the story of Arizona's heroic war eagle courageous, fearless, devilmay-care Frank Luke, Jr.; untamed, undisciplined, uncontrollable the greatest fighter that ever went into the air, whose feats of daring and braverywhose accomplishments will glitter in gold letters through the ages the story of a youth who performed above and beyond all call of duty for his country and gave his life that freedom and democracy might live.

To Frank Luke the World war was a personal thing and he went about the business of helping end it in his own spectacular way and succeeded gloriously to his last moment. Credited with twentyone official victories in his thirty-nine days of actual combat, Luke achieved more air victories in a given length of time than any other birdman, and, to quote Captain Eddie Rickenbacker, “If he had gone on, I would have looked like a third rater by now. Luke was the greatest fighter that ever went into the air!” How many more aircraft Luke destroyed will never be known. To be accredited with an official victory, two eye-witnesses are necessary besides the pilot. His fame was heralded by enemy and ally alike as the fightingest, most daring destroyer in the skyways-the premier “balloon buster” of military history-the most startling career in the annals ofaerial combat.

He lived and died with the spirit of fearlessness. He scorned the routine of military life-a personality that stood aside and apart from all recognized army procedure and law. He knew or recognized no command. It was a question of a free hand to follow his own daring.

Frank Luke was born in Phoenix in 1897, and, as a child was perhaps just about like the average no particularly Outstanding traits although it is said he commanded a bit more of attention than others of the family. His boyhood was filled with adventure. His was the restless, energetic type always wanting to go places and to do things. His character and personality began to take form as apart from the rest. It may be assumed that he was destined to become a great soldier-a super-fighter, as he had already proved himself a natural leader, with so many characteristicssterling qualities that make for one. His game of soldier took on a bit more of a serious aspect a little more strategy and zest, even at the tender age. This childhood game of soldier-innocent pastime of happy, carefree youth-so different-ironically different than destructive human conflicts among great nations. But even as the universal game of soldier, it seems wars always have been, and, God forbid, always will be so long as there are those who would bring them about-needless destruction of humanity; the principles that humanity stands for; the glorious works that humanity has created and to what end? During his grammar school days Luke had developed a beautiful friendship with a neighborhood lada lasting friendship and inseparable companionship through high school days that was forced apart only through his departure for the great conflict from which he was never to return. That companion was Bill Elder, now a Phoenix city official. He and Frank spent their out of school hours usually together, and over the week ends sometimes would take long trips into the desertto the mountains and faraway places of Arizona. They would ride horseback, taking pack burros loaded with camping equipment and supplies and hike for the hills.

To Frank Luke, Bill Elder perhaps owes his life. Displaying another of his sterling characteristics, Luke saved Elder from the swirling waters of a usually sluggish stream on the White River Indian reservation-a stream that became a raging torrent after one of Arizona's sudden heavy rainstorms. Luke decided they would cross despite the danger and the warning of a group of Indians who happened to be near by. He started across on his horse with the two burros that were tied to a lead rope. He warned his companion not to attempt to cross until he had reached the other side. After considerable difficulty, and losing one of the burros in the rushing waters, later being forced to cut it from the lead rope, Luke reached the opposite side and waved Elder to follow. As Elder reached midstream a huge mesquite tree stump crashed into his mount and he was thrown off into the mad waters. He grasped for the stump and held on. The mesquite branches and debris quickly formed a web around him and the stump and they were moving slowly downstream, despite his struggles. Luke, having seen Elder's plight was already in the water and swimming-fighting gamely to reach him. He was a strong youth and his courage and daring showed brilliantly. Elder was unaware Luke was to his rescue. He struggled frantically-gradually weakening under the strain. Luke finally reached him grabbed him by the hair and tugged him safely ashore. Exhausted, Elder rested while his pal made ready for the continuation of the trip. Friendship! Sacrifice! These traits showed indelibly in that experience.

During high school days the name of Frank Luke stood out quite prominently in numerous activities. His greatest interest apparently was in athletics-particularly football. He was captain of the Phoenix team and was considered the "toughest line plunger in Arizona," and proved a terror to opposing elevens. Taking an added interest, Luke would go to any end to help promote and advertise these games and other activities. Methods were proving somewhat tame for this energetic, restless kid so he conceived a new idea-one that might create a bit more of excitement-making a parachute leap from the top of one of the high school buildings. Plans were secretly formulated. The time set for the stunt was noon. The campus would be a beehive of activity. A huge wagon umbrella was procured to serve as a parachute. Luke, with a huge crowd gathered below, was preparing for another adventure of daring. The hundreds of students gathered there incited school authorities who happened to be passing. Luke hadn't considered this angle. The authorities intervened and the thrill-seeking youth had to be content with watching the "parachute" carry a dummy to a far from exciting landing.

Frank Luke's interests were not all centered around the more rugged types of activity. Taking a hand in publicizing a school play one day, he ascended the

Left, a photograph of Lt. Luke taken in actual combat shooting down an enemy balloon and below, an informal picture of Lt. Luke taken somewhere in France during a moment of relaxation.

steps of the high school auditorium and recited his favorite composition, Kipling's "Boots" before a large gathering and it is said by a former school mate who always remembers him by the incidenthe delivered the difficult piece with unusual ability and finesse. Luke was just like that always conspicuous always to the fore leadership recognition, in all things of moment to him and which he bore out nobly in the war days soon to come and of which at the time, he had no conception. Then as a bolt of lightning from out of the clear heaven came the call to arms! The United States had declared war! The adventurous Luke could visualize the excitement, the thrill of combat the daring of conflict. He couldn't resist. Perhaps he thought of everything but the serious side and perhaps it is good that one does. Patriotism stirs men to quick action. But in youth it is an unexplainable patriotism coupled with the spirit of adventure and excitement.

So on that important day in September 1917, the thrill seeking blonde kid from Phoenix the lad who was destined to be hailed throughout the world as one of the most heroic airmen of all times, slipped off to Tucson, Arizona and was eagerly accepted as a private in the signal corps. He insisted upon an assignment to the flying branch. He was ordered to active duty at the School of Military Aeronautics, Austin, Texas. After a hurried trip back home he bade farewell to his people and his friends. Arriving at the Texas ground school he soon made himself known. His original intention was not to fly. He had his mind on mechanics. He was encouraged, however, to take to the air. In his training there he assembled a machine gun blindfolded in a minute flat, besting the time of all other recruits. Although he was started in that aviation class somewhat later than the rest, he progressed so rapidly that he was graduated with them. During the latter part of November he was ordered to Rockwell Field, San Diego, California.

It wasn't long until Luke was making his solo flight. He was instructed to do straight flying but as he had seen another more experienced pilot stunt earlier in the day, he decided he would take a try at it. Upon landing he was reprimanded and grounded for a few days. His value to the service was recognized however and in January of the following year he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Aviation Section, Signal Corps and was given a short leave of absence as was customary, before embarking for France. He returned to his home and after a few busy days again said farewell. As the train pulled out from the station Luke hopped off, ran back to his mother and had his farewell with her. Something must have told him it was the last-that he wouldn't be back. Every action (Turn to Page 25.) Above, Luke is shown with three of his mechanics who idolized him and fulfilled his every desire. Center, a portrait of Luke shortly after he left Phoenix for the wars, an ambitious youth with adventure ahead who was confident he would accomplish great things for his country. "You'll hear from me!" he said. The pages of history bear him out. Below, a street of Muraux, in France, which he straffed as he was trying for a landing, after being wounded a few minutes before.