| Harold Albert Kullberg alias Howard Albert Kullberg | |
|---|---|
| Born | 10 September 1896 Somerville, Massachusetts, USA |
| Died | 5 August 1924 Vicinity of Hudson, Ohio, USA |
| Allegiance | USA |
| Service/branch | Aviation |
| Years of service | 1917 - 1918 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | No. 1 Squadron RFC |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
| Other work | President of the Akron Aeronautical Association |
Captain Harold Albert Kullberg was a World War I flying ace credited with 19 aerial victories. Though he scored his victories with the Royal Air Force, Kullberg was an American citizen. He was rejected for training as an American pilot because he was too short.[1] Nothing daunted, he then joined the Royal Flying Corps in Canada on 7 August 1917.[2]
He joined No. 1 Squadron RFC in May 1918. He was an immediate success flying the RAF SE.5a, scoring pairs of victories on 27 and 28 May, 1 and 9 June. His next victory, his ninth, was over an observation balloon. He continued scoring apace through June and July. August and September brought his final five victories, all of which were destructions of German Fokker D.VIIs. The wingmen of his final victory on 16 September 1918 pursued him and inflicted three leg wounds on him. Kullberg sat out the rest of the war.[3] It took six months for Kullberg to heal. He served until his release from service in July 1919.[4][5]
Having survived the war, Kullberg became involved in civil aviation.[6] He even made the nation's first arrest for violation of air traffic rules. On 3 November 1923, Kullberg chased down someone who was stunt flying over an urban area, landed with them, and arrested them.[7]
On 5 August 1924, he died in an air crash while instructing a student pilot.[8] He was President of the Akron Aeronautical Association at the time of his death.[9]
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
"This officer has destroyed six enemy aeroplanes and has taken part in seven engagements when others have been destroyed by members of his patrol. A bold and keen officer who possesses a fine fighting spirit." DFC citation, London Gazette, November 2, 1918[10]
American Aces of World War 1 Harry Dempsey. Osprey Publishing, 2001. ISBN 1-84176-375-6, 9781841763750.