Descriptive Finding Guide for the Philip R. Babcock Papers
SDASM.SC.10010-O/S
Finding aid prepared by Alan Renga
San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park
San Diego, CA, 92101
(619) 234-8291
10/15/2014
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.
Conditions Governing Use note
Some copyright may be reserved. Consult with the library director for more information.
Preferred Citation note
[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.
Biographical/Historical note
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.
Scope and Contents note
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
Folder 01 - Statements/Certificates from War Department
Physical Description:
1. Letter from J. A. Ulio Adjutant General to Philip Babcock July 6, 1942.
2. Inquiry from Peyton C. March General, Chief of Staff to Philip Babcock March 15, 1920.
3. 3 Pages Inquiry from Peyton C. March General, Chief of Staff to Philip Babcock Oct. 15, 1919.
4. Honorable Discharge Letter from the United States Army
5. Lyrics to ‘The Festival Airmen’ song given from the War Department
6. Life, Liberty and Happiness letter
7. Record of Battles and other affairs participated in the 88th Aero Squadron
8. The Aero Club of America certificate Nov. 7, 1919
9. Inquiry to Philip Babcock from P.C. Harris The Adjutant General April 5, 1920
10. Letter of Generals Orders from the War Department Dec. 5, 1918 (2 Copies)
Folder 02- 88th Aero Squadron Rosters of Officers
Physical Description:
1. 88th Aero Squadron Rosters of Members (4 Pages)
2. 88th Aero Squadron (Observation) Roster of Officers Aug, 18, 1917- Nov. 11,1918
3. Roster of Officers Oct. 1, 1918
Folder 03- 88th Aero Squadron Rosters of Officers #2
Physical Description:
1. Letter of orders from W.C. Sherman Chief and Staff to Philip Babcock
2. Roster of Officers ordered in alphabetical order (4 Pages)
Folder 04- Personal Army Letters/ Hard Copy
Physical Description:
1. Generals Orders Letter to Philip Babcock Nov. 2, 1918
2. Inquiry from W.C. Sherman to Philip Babcock
3. Inquiry from Marshal of France to Philip Babcock Nov. 29, 1918
4. Au Grand Quartier General , Nov. 1918
5. Citation Orders from James G. Harbored June, 3 1919
6. Letter from the Chief of Air Service to Philip Babcock Oct. 18, 1918
Folder 05- Adjustants
Physical Description:
1. 2 pages on a flight to Paris April 5, 1919
2. 3 Page letter from the 2ind. and 3ind. June 24, 1919
3. 5 Page letter on Active Duty Papers July 26, 1918
4. 3 Pages letter on American Expeditionary Forces France June, 2 1919
5. Con. Order Oct. 31, 1917
6. American Expeditionary Forces on flight organization Nov. 6, 1918
7. Citation Letter from Washington D.C. Sep. 2, 1992
8. Letter from Chief of Air Service, A.E.F. to Philip Babcock France Oct. 18, 1918
9. American Expeditionary Forces Roster on the 88th Squadron Dec. 1, 1918
10. Third Aviation Introduction Center Feb. 13, 1918
11. American Expeditionary Forces Letter to Philip Babcock France Nov. 13, 1918
12. Headquarters of the Third Army letter to Philip Babcock April 3, 1919
13. Amendment of Order letter to Philip Babcock Jan. 14, 1920
14. General Orders on the Air Service Commander France December 31, 1918
15. General Orders letter on Tribute to the 88th Aero Squadron from R.L. Bullard
16. Headquarters Air Service Station List from H.R. Harmon May 22, 1919
17. Headquarters Treves Airdrome Special Orders April 5, 1919
18. Special Orders from Long Island, New York Aug. 27, 1919
19. Headquarters of the Seventh U.S. Army Corps. March 7, 1919
20. Headquarters Mitchel Field letter to Philip Babcock Aug. 12, 1919
21. Headquarters of the Third Army letter from Neuwied, Germany, May 23, 1919
22. Letter on Life, Liberty, and Happiness
23. Headquarters of the Third Army for Philip Babcock to wear 5 Bronze Stars June 5, 1919
24. Headquarters Camp Mills L.I. NY. Personal Office Statement Aug. 2, 1919
25. Headquarters of the Third Army Special Orders to receive a call from the president. June 27, 1919
26. General Headquarters Letter from the Chief of Air Service to Philip Babcock France Oct. 18, 1918
27. Adjutant General Office Listing of awards to be given to Philip Babcock Apr. 7, 1953
28. 3 Page letter from the Headquarters of the First Army General Orders France Nov. 2, 1918
Folder 06- Personal Inquiries
Physical Description:
1. American Expeditionary Forces pamphlet G.H.Q. Oct. 15, 1918
2. Personnel Section on an Appt. in the U.S. Army Jan. 21, 1919
3. The Archie Club roster of all members in Massachusetts
4. Letter from the Law Offices to Philip Babcock on Books for the Squadron
5. Letter to Philip Babcock from Daniel Van Voorhees Colonel, General Staff July 21, 1919
6. Notes in French to Philip Babcock
7. Section from a pamphlet on Philip Babcock and his accomplishments.
8. 3 Pages on the Aero Squadrons in WW1
Folder 07- Portrait and Personal Photography
Physical Description:
1. Photo to Neal O'Connor “With high regards Pere Hart” (2 Copies)
2. Winner of the Photo Contest March 28, 1919
3. Group photo of all officers in front of Gasth of Unter Den Linden Von Franz
4. Original Portrait photo of Philip Babcock
5. Photos of Philip Babcock at a gathering (3 Photos)
6. Photo of Philip Babcock and another soldier standing in a door frame
Folder 08- Miscellaneous
Physical Description:
1. Pass for Provost Marshal General’s Department May 14, 1919
2. Pass for V2 Army Corps Headquarters March 12 1919
3. News Paper Page “ Fliers Will Recall Adventures Of 1918” Oct. 18, 1978
4. Department of the Air Force Responding to a gift donated by Philip Babcock Oct, 23, 1978
5. Air Force Museum Receipt to Mr. Percival G. Hart for the Philip Babcock Collection Materials Dec. 15, 1960
6. Letter of Lt. Hard - Unaddressed
Folder 09- Projection Slides
Physical Description:
1. 17 Page Projection Slides on War
Folder 10- Portrait Photos of Philip R. Babcock
Physical Description:
1. 3 Single Portrait Photos of Philip Babcock in Uniform
Folder 11- Part 1: Novel on WW1
Physical Description:
1. 42 Page Novel on WW1 and how Philip Babcock handled traveling and fighting for USA and France.
Folder 12- Pre- Deployment Records
Physical Description:
1. 3 Page Document on Pre-Deployment
Folder 13- Book on The War With Germany- A Statistical Summary 1919
Folder 14- History of the 88th Aero Squadron
Physical Description:
In this book, Philip Babcock personally collected and kept notes of the 88th Aero Squadron and well as staying a historian
for the war.
- Table of Contents
1. Historical Account of the Organization and Functioning of the Squadron Aug. 18, 1917 through Nov. 11, 1918
2. Narrative of Work and Activities of the Squadron Kelly Field, USA - Amanty, France
3. Narrative of Work and Activities of the Squadron Amanty - Ourches - Toul Sector
4. Operations, Chateau - Thierry: Station, Franchville/ Statistical Report and Emergency Move
5. Vesle Operations: Stations, Ferme d’ Greves
6. St. Mihiel Operation: Station Souilly. Pretz - en - Argonne
7. Argonne - Meuse Operation: Station Souilly and Bethelainville
8. Army of Occupation Activities
9. Appendix: Casualties, Combats, and Flying Time; Etc.
Small Box of Medals, Buttons from Uniform, and Pins- From Philip Babcock
Hard Wooded Aerial Map, Used for Flight Planning in France- From Philip Babcock
Two Large Photo Albums
Physical Description:
Documenting his time during World War One.
