The Descriptive Finding Guide for Charles Biddle Personal Collection

Collection

Identifier: SDASM-SC-10264

Staff Only

Abstract

The collection contains materials collected by and related to Charles John Biddle during his time with the French Air Service during World War I. The material includes personal letters to his family, photos, and media from France during that time. The collection includes documents, correspondence, news articles and clippings, and photographs.

Dates

Majority of material found within 1900 - 2000

Creator

Biddle, Charles (Person)

Biographical / Historical

Charles Biddle was an American attorney, aviator, and author. A native of Pennsylvania, Biddle was born in Andalusia, PA on May 13, 1890. He earned degrees from Princeton and Harvard, before passing the bar and becoming an attorney with the law firm of Drinker, Biddle and Reath.

Soon after, Biddle left for France to enlist in the French Foreign Legion to fight in World War I. While in France, he transferred to the French Aviation Service, and was posted in Escadrille N73, before transferring to the United States Signal Corps, Aviation Section in 1918.

In recognition of his service, the French awarded him both the Legion of Honor and the Croix de Guerre, and he received the American Distinguished Service Cross and the Belgian Order of Leopold II. Biddle was discharged from the Army on 25 January 1919, and later wrote a book entitled The Way of the Eagle.

Extent

.75 Cubic Feet (The collection contains materials collected by and related to Charles John Biddle during his time with the French Air Service during World War I. The material includes personal letters to his family, photos, and media from France during that time. The collection includes documents, correspondence, news articles and clippings, and photographs. ) : Description: This collection consists of one 15.75 x 12.5 x 10.5” box. The collection has been organized into series. ; Description: This collection consists of one 15.75 x 12.5 x 10.5” box.