Art Donahue facts for kids

Arthur Gerald Donahue, also known as Art, was an American pilot who became a hero during World War II. Born on January 29, 1913, he decided to join the British Royal Air Force (RAF) to help fight in the war. He was one of only 11 American pilots who flew with the RAF during the famous Battle of Britain in 1940. This earned him a special medal for his bravery. Sadly, he was killed in action in September 1942.

Early Life and Flying Dreams

Arthur Donahue grew up on a dairy farm near St. Charles, Minnesota. He was born on January 29, 1913. From a young age, Art loved flying. He learned to fly planes as a teenager. His teacher was Max Conrad, a famous pilot known as the "Flying Grandfather."

By age 19, Art became Minnesota's youngest licensed pilot. This meant he could fly planes for money. He helped Conrad run the flight school for a while. Later, he decided to join the Royal Air Force. He traveled to Canada and pretended to be Canadian to join the British forces.

Serving in the Royal Air Force

After finishing his flight training, Art Donahue joined No. 64 Squadron RAF on August 3, 1940. Just two days later, he faced his first battle. He fought against German planes called Messerschmitt Bf 109s. His plane was badly damaged, and he had to land quickly.

Art was one of the few Americans to fly for the RAF during the Battle of Britain in 1940. This was a huge air battle over England. A week later, on August 12, Art was injured. He was flying his Supermarine Spitfire plane when it was hit. He had to jump out of his burning plane. He suffered burns and leg injuries.

Joining the Eagle Squadrons

On September 29, 1940, Art was moved to No. 71 Squadron RAF. This was one of the special "Eagle Squadrons." These RAF units were made up of American pilots. However, Art did not see much action with this group. He asked to go back to No. 64 Squadron. He rejoined them on October 23.

In February 1941, Art served with No. 91 Squadron RAF. He then took a break and went home to the USA in March. In October 1941, he was sent to No. 258 Squadron RAF in the Far East. He took part in the Battle of Singapore. He also saw action over Sumatra in February 1942. There, he was wounded by gunfire from the ground.

Leading a Squadron and Awards

After returning to England in mid-1942, Art rejoined No. 91 Squadron. He became a flight commander. This meant he was in charge of a group of planes. He was the first American in RAF history to lead an all-English squadron.

Art was credited with shooting down two enemy planes. He likely shot down two more and damaged another. He received four medals for his bravery. One of these was the Distinguished Flying Cross. He received this award on March 27, 1942. The award recognized his courage and skill.

The official statement for his award said:

This officer has carried out many low level reconnaissance sorties and.- has successfully attacked enemy shipping and ground objectives. On one occasion, whilst carrying out an attack against enemy troops attempting a landing, Flying Officer Donahue silenced the enemy's fire, thus enabling the rest of the formation to press home their attacks with impunity. He has destroyed several enemy aircraft.

– London Gazette

This means he flew many dangerous missions. He attacked enemy ships and targets on the ground. Once, he attacked enemy soldiers trying to land. He stopped their firing, which helped his team attack safely. He also shot down several enemy planes.

Final Flight

Flight Lieutenant Donahue was killed in action on September 11, 1942. He was still with No. 91 Squadron. He was trying to stop a German Junkers Ju 88 plane. His plane was hit by enemy fire. It crashed into the English Channel. His body was never found.

Art once wrote to his parents, "My life may not be long, but it will be wide." This shows he wanted to live a full and exciting life. He is remembered at the Air Forces Memorial in Runnymede, England.

Author

Arthur Donahue also wrote two books about his time in the RAF. These books are called Tally-Ho! Yankee in a Spitfire and Last Flight from Singapore. They share his experiences as a pilot during the war.

See also

• List of Battle of Britain pilots
• Non-British personnel in the RAF during the Battle of Britain