Godfrey Chevalier

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Lt. Cdr. Godfrey DeCourcelles Chevalier, USN (7 March 1889 – 14 November 1922) was a pioneering naval aviator of the United States Navy of World War I and the early 1920s.

Born in Providence, R.I., 7 March 1889, Chevalier graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1910. He was appointed a Naval Air Pilot 7 November 1915 and a Naval Aviator 7 November 1918.

In 1916 he participated in the installation of the first real catapult used in the Navy and piloted the first plane to be launched by catapult, from USS North Carolina (ACR-12). In November 1917 he commanded the first naval air station in France, at Dunkerque, and for World War I service was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.

In 1922 he was attached to Langley (CV-1), the first U.S. aircraft carrier, in connection with fitting her out. On 26 October 1922 Lieutenant Commander Chevalier flew plane No. 606 which made the first landing on Langley's deck.

This distinguished pioneer of naval aviation died at the Norfolk Naval Hospital 14 November 1922 as a result of injuries sustained in an airplane crash.

Two US Navy destroyers have been named USS Chevalier in his honor.