Charles Hazeltine Hammann

Charles Hazeltine Hammann became the first United States naval aviator to receive the Medal of Honor, earning the nation's highest military decoration for an extraordinary rescue attempt over the Adriatic Sea during the First World War. His willingness to risk certain capture or death to save a fellow pilot demonstrated exceptional courage and helped establish the enduring traditions of heroism within United States naval aviation.

Charles Hazeltine Hammann was born on 16 March 1892 in Baltimore, Maryland. After attending the Maryland Agricultural College, he joined the United States Naval Reserve Flying Corps in 1917, becoming part of a new generation of American naval aviators as military aviation rapidly evolved during the First World War. Following flight training at Naval Air Station Pensacola, he deployed overseas, first serving in France before joining the naval aviation forces operating from Porto Corsini, Italy.

His defining moment came on 21 August 1918 during an aerial patrol over the Adriatic Sea near Pola, then one of the Austro-Hungarian Navy's principal bases. While escorting fellow American pilots, Hammann witnessed the seaplane of Ensign George M. Ludlow forced down by enemy fire. Despite flying a single-seat Macchi M.5 flying boat that was never intended to carry a second person, Hammann landed on the open sea under the threat of enemy aircraft and successfully pulled Ludlow aboard. Attempting to take off with two men in the small aircraft, he repeatedly struggled against the heavy load while hostile forces closed in. Although the rescue ultimately could not be completed, his extraordinary effort enabled Ludlow to avoid immediate capture and demonstrated exceptional courage in the face of overwhelming danger.

For this act of conspicuous gallantry and selfless devotion to duty, Hammann was awarded the Medal of Honor, becoming the first naval aviator in American history to receive the decoration. His wartime service also qualified him for the World War I Victory Medal, while the Kingdom of Italy recognized his heroism with the Italian Silver Medal of Military Valor and the Italian War Cross, reflecting the high esteem in which his actions were held by an Allied nation.

Shortly after his heroic rescue attempt, Hammann received a commission as an Ensign in the United States Naval Reserve Force. Tragically, his promising career was cut short when he was killed in an aircraft accident at Langley Field, Virginia, on 14 June 1919, only months after returning from Europe. He was just 27 years old.

Today, Ensign Charles Hazeltine Hammann is remembered as one of the pioneers of American naval aviation. His Medal of Honor stands as a lasting tribute to exceptional bravery, selfless sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to saving the life of a fellow aviator, even at immense personal risk. His legacy continues to inspire generations of naval aviators and service members who follow in his path.