SPAD XIII by junge1
Close
Hover over top left image to zoom.
Click anywhere to exit.
Members remain the original copyright holder in all their materials here at Renderosity. Use of any of their material inconsistent with the terms and conditions set forth is prohibited and is considered an infringement of the copyrights of the respective holders unless specially stated otherwise.
Description
This SPAD XIII is a replica of the one Lieutenant Frank Luke Jr. flew in WW I in France. It is hanging in terminal 3 at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona.
Lieutenant Frank Luke Jr. was born on May 19, 1897 and grew up in Phoenix. Frank Luke enlisted in the U.S. Army in September 1917, learned to fly, and arrived at the front in France in July 1918. He was assigned to the 27th Aero Squadron.
At sunset on September 29, 1918 Lt. Luke took off from a forward aerodrome near Verdun to attack balloons in the Dun-Sur- Meuse area. Pursued by 8 aircraft and facing heavy ground fire, he destroyed 3 balloons and killed 6 enemy soldiers when he was hit in the chest and landed his SPAD. He died while firing his pistol at German soldiers searching for him.
Lt. Luke was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his last mission. At the time of his death, he was the leading U.S. ace, having downed 14 balloons and 4 aircraft for a total of 18 confirmed victories.
Luke AFB in Glendale, Arizona is named in his honor.
This picture was taken on 30 August 2014,
Sig...
Comments (19)
drifterlee
Very cool old plane!!!!
Richardphotos
an amazing war hero and very fitting that they commemorate his service to his country
casmindo
Great Picture to Commemorate a great man
MagikUnicorn
Gorgeous
Faemike55
Great capture of the plane and powerful history of Frank Luke Jr. I salute his memory!
blinkings
An interesting look at history there.
auntietk
It's hard to imagine biplanes in a combat situation. They look so fragile! But anything in the air at that time was new and different and therefore an advantage. Great shot!
Jay-el-Jay
A nice shot of this replica of the historic biplane.
starship64
Great picture of this beautiful plane!
bazza
Great shot of this plane Sig and a wonderful remembrance for a great pilot and hero..
ontar1
That is cool, outstanding capture!
jayfar
A lovely plane and a wonderful history Sig.
Cyve
Beautiful air plane and fantastic shot my friend!
kgb224
Superb capture and thank you for the info of the war hero as well my friend. God bless.
farmerC
Exellent.
flavia49
excellent shot
danapommet
A wonderful photo and dedication for Lieutenant Frank Luke Jr. Thank you for the information included!
debbielove
Balloons wee very hard to shot down and dangerous.. Surrounded by Anti Aircraft Guns and often with Fighters nearby, tough nuts to crack so well done! Great exhibit for an airport shame ours don't! Rob
e-brink
An excellent, dramatic shot of this beautiful plane!