William Portwood Erwin | |
|---|---|
 William Portwood Erwin, 1918 | |
| Nickname(s) | Bill |
| Born | October 18, 1895 Ryan, Oklahoma, USA |
| Died | August 19, 1927 (aged 31) (disappeared) Pacific Ocean |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ | Air Service, United States Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | Air Service, United States Army |
| Battles/wars |  World War I |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross, French Croix de Guerre |
Lieutenant William Portwood Erwin (18 October 1895 - 19 August 1927) was an American World War I flying ace credited with eight aerial victories.[1] On 19 August 1927, he disappeared during the Dole Air Race from Oakland, California to Hawaii.
William Portwood Erwin was the son of W. A. Erwin of Chicago.[2] The younger Erwin, born elsewhere, was raised primarily in Chicago. Two sources claim he was born in Amarillo, Texas.[1][3]
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See also: Aerial victory standards of World War I |
Erwin was assigned to the 1st Aero Squadron on 19 July 1918. As a Salmson 2A2 pilot, he scored his victories between 15 September and 22 October 1918; half of them were with gunner Arthur Easterbrook.[3]
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Erwin is believed to have died during the Dole Air Race between Oakland, California and Hawaii.[3] He flew the Dallas Spirit, a custom aircraft built by the Swallow Airplane Company on credit for the attempt. Erwin failed to return from a search for two other missing competitors, the Miss Doran and The Golden Eagle, and is presumed drowned 19 August 1927.[4]
