John H. Rogers 95th Aero Squadron Collection

This collection consists of a photo album, a memoir, memorabilia, and military records and certificates pertaining to John H. Rogers and his service with the 95th Aero Squadron during World War I.

The 95th Aero Squadron, organized on August 20th, 1917, and demobilized on March 18th, 1919, was part of the 1st Pursuit Organization stationed in France on the Western Front during World War I. The squadron was assigned as a Day Pursuit (Fighter) Squadron and was the first American squadron to fly in combat, doing so on March 8th, 1918. The 95th Aero Squadron shot down 35 enemy aircraft and 12 observation balloons, participating in the following military campaigns: Champagne-Marne Defensive, Aisne-Marne Offensive, St. Mihiel Offensive and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Among the squadron's pilots were six air aces and Lieutenant Quentin Roosevelt.

John H. Rogers (d. 1971) was a mechanic for the 95th Aero Squadron during World War I. Rogers was working for the Oldsmobile Motor Company in New York City as a mechanic in the Spring of 1917 when he quit his job and enlisted. On June 4, 1917, he was ordered to appear for duty. He trained as a solider at Wright Martin Flying Field in Mineola, New York, and in August of 1917 he sailed to France as part of the 2nd Reserve. In January 1918, he reported to the 95th Aero Squadron. He was Sergeant First Class and later promoted to Master Electrician (Me.E.) On February 14, 1919, he sailed back from France, arriving in New York on March 3, 1919, and was discharged from the Signal Corps Aviation Station in Mineola. After the war he worked as a mechanic in the garage business.