Mason Mathews Patrick was a general officer in the United States Army who led the United States Army Air Service during and after World War I and became the first Chief of the Army Air Corps when it was created on July 2, 1926.
Patrick in uniform, c. 1926
Gen'l Mason M. Patrick, Chief of U.S. Army Air Service
Maj. Gen. Mason M. Patrick, learning to fly. Patrick obtained a rating of Junior Airplane Pilot in 1922 at the age of 59 years.
General Patrick on the cover of the July 23, 1923 issue of Time
United States Army Air Service
The United States Army Air Service (USAAS) was the aerial warfare service component of the United States Army between 1918 and 1926 and a forerunner of the United States Air Force. It was established as an independent but temporary branch of the U.S. War Department during World War I by two executive orders of President Woodrow Wilson: on May 24, 1918, replacing the Aviation Section, Signal Corps as the nation's air force; and March 19, 1919, establishing a military Director of Air Service to control all aviation activities. Its life was extended for another year in July 1919, during which time Congress passed the legislation necessary to make it a permanent establishment. The National Defense Act of 1920 assigned the Air Service the status of "combatant arm of the line" of the United States Army with a major general in command.
World War I recruiting poster calling for skilled workers
World War I recruiting poster. Artwork by Charles Livingston Bull
World War I recruiting poster, 1917. Artwork by J. Paul Verrees
SPAD S.XIII in livery of Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker, 94th Aero Squadron. Note U.S. national insignia painted on wheel hubs.