@wildblueponder.bsky.social My grandfather was a WWI balloon observer; shot down but survived. Lt. Cleo Ross, his companion in the basket, was not so fortunate. This predated the creation of the USAF - my father wrote about this experience in ‘That Fateful Day’- thought you’d find this interesting.

After reading your post I spent time on Newspapers.com reading a bit about your grandfather in terms of what appeared in the press at the time - and afterwards in interviews with him etc. Very interesting person! :)