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Descriptive Finding Guide for the Philip R. Babcock Papers
SDASM.SC.10010-O/S
SDASM.SC.10010-O/S
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Table of contents
Title: Philip R. Babcock Personal Papers
Identifier/Call Number: SDASM.SC.10010-O/S
Contributing Institution:
San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
1.5 Cubic feet
Three boxes, two 12” X 5” X 15” and a third 22” X 2” X 18”,
Date (inclusive): 1893-1977
Abstract: Philip Babcock served with the 88th Aero Squadron in the First World War. This Collection documents his life and the history
of the squadron.
Conditions Governing Access note
The collection is open to researchers by appointment.
Some copyright may be reserved. Consult with the library director for more information.
[Item], [Filing Unit], [Series Title], [Subgroups], [Record Group Title and Number], [Repository “San Diego Air & Space Museum
Library & Archives”]
Immediate Source of Acquisition note
The materials in this collection were given to the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
Philip Babcock served in the 88th Aero Squadron during World War I, doubling as the group’s unofficial historian. He was awarded
the Distinguished Service Cross and Silver Star Citation for his achievements.
Philip Rodney Babcock was born on August 12, 1893 in Lynn, Massachusetts to his parents Fredric and Susan Babcock. After graduating
high school in Lynn, he attended Massachusetts Agricultural College of Amherst in 1916. The following year Philip entered
the U.S. Service and began officer training on June 17, 1917 at Camp Plattsburg. Afterwards, he was sent to the Aviation Ground
School at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. After his training, he was enlisted as a flight student in Kelly Field, Texas,
but was soon promoted to captain. On August 18, 1917, Philip and the 88th Aero Squadron were deployed from Kelly Field, to
Paris, France. Philip Babcock personally fought in battles of Champagne, Verdun Sector, and St. Mihiel. He successfully received
all photographic documents he was sent for nearby Squadrons. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and Silver Star
Citation while stationed in France for his achievements, including shooting down two German planes. He married Theo E. Jagues
(daughter of Allon and Carrie Jagues) and passed away October 1977 in Massachusetts.
The 88th Aero Squadron was a part of United States Third Army. The 88th was a photo reconnaissance, observation, and intelligence
gathering squadron whose work was distributed to other squadrons stationed on the Western Front. While stationed in France,
the 88th Aero Squadron assisted in battle of Champagne and St. Mihiel. While Philip was in France, he assisted creating flight
paths and bombing routes. Most importantly, perhaps, he served as a historian for the squadron and recorded flight times,
battles, and any other traffic through the squadron.
Three boxes, two 12” X 5” X 15” and a third 22” X 2” X 18”, containing a variety of documents, books, and artifacts from Philip
Babcock and his journey in WWI. From this collection, Philip kept a book of the 88th Aero Squadron he was a part of, documenting
the squadron’s role in the war. He also kept the original map he used to plan all his crews flights.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Babcock, Philip R., 1893-1977
United States. Army. Air Service. Aero Squadron, 88th.
United States. Army. Air Corps. Advanced Flying School (Kelly Field, Tex.)
World War, 1914-1918