| Abstract |
Collection consists of a diary kept by Lt. William Clements during World War I. Entries reflect military life, payroll problems, experiences aboard the liner CARMANIA, watching for enemy submarines, and flight training. Diary includes comments concerning the various aircraft flown, problems encountered when training with English forces, and his personal opinions regarding the effectiveness of the training. Entries describe his experiences as a flight instructor, combat duty in France, patrol duty, aerial combat and strafing missions while assigned to the 148th American Squadron, and Clements's experience as a flight commander in the 17th American squadron. Diary includes an organizational plan of the 17th and 148th American squadrons and combat statistics of the 17th squadron. Also of interest is the microfilm copy of Lt. Clements's World War I photo album. The album offers pictures of individuals mentioned in the diary including Clements, planes flown, and actual combat scenes. |
| Access restriction | Joyner- No access restrictions. |
| Cite as |
William T. Clements Papers (#211), Special Collections Department, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA. |
| Terms of use | Joyner- Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law. |
| Acquisitions source |
Joyner- Gift of Mrs. John G. Kellogg. |
| Biographical note | Clements enlisted in the United States Air Service at Essington, Pa., in 1917 and shortly thereafter was assigned to Ohio State University for preliminary flight training. Upon completion of this training, Clements proceeded to New York for further training before going overseas. Upon arrival in England, Clements learned to fly several types of aircraft, received his commission, and during 1918 saw combat action as a fighter pilot on the Western Front. |
