Who was the first ace of US naval aviation?

Short answer

The first ace of US naval aviation was David Sinton Ingalls. With six credited victories, he was also the only US Navy ace of World War I. He flew Sopwith Camels with the RAF's No. 213 Squadron and became an ace on 20 September 1918, by destroying a Fokker D.VII.

Published: October 31, 2026 · Updated: October 31, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

Who was the first ace of US naval aviation?

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The only naval ace of World War I

David Sinton Ingalls was born on 28 January 1899 and died on 26 April 1985. He was the only ace of US Navy aviation during World War I, with six credited victories. Those six victories make him the first ace in the history of the US Navy. His designation as Naval Aviator No. 85 dates from 26 March 1917. During the war he flew Sopwith Camels.

With the RAF

Ingalls served with the RAF's No. 213 Squadron. In July 1918 he was temporarily assigned to the RAF's No. 218 Squadron to gain experience flying bombers. On 20 September 1918 he shot down a Fokker D.VII and reached ace status, after an engine failure left him beyond enemy lines.

After the uniform

After his military service he went into law. Between 1927 and 1929 he was a member of the Ohio House of Representatives. From 16 March 1929 to 1 June 1932 he held the post of Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Aeronautics.