World War I (WWI) Flying Ace. One of the founders of the Lafayette Escadrille, comprised of American volunteers who flew with the French air service in the First World War. He was the son of Frederick Henry Prince, a wealthy investment banker and businessman, and was raised on the family estate, Princemere. Educated at Groton, he graduated from Harvard in 1908, and from Harvard Law School in 1911. An aviation enthusiast, he received his pilot's license in 1912. With close ties to France, he was anxious to serve that country in the Great War, and with several other young Americans was instrumental in establishing the Lafayette Escadrille. Despite his poor eyesight, Norman Prince was credited with 4 confirmed victories over German aircraft. On the evening of October 12, 1916, Prince was attempting to land at Corcieux airfield following a raid on a German weapons factory at Oberndorf. His Nieuport struck an elevated telegraph wire, and he was fatally injured, dying in hospital three days later. Initially interred at Luxeuil, his remains were later placed in the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial tomb at St. Cloud, near Paris. In 1937, his father had Norman Prince moved to what would be his final resting place, a tomb within the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
World War I (WWI) Flying Ace. One of the founders of the Lafayette Escadrille, comprised of American volunteers who flew with the French air service in the First World War. He was the son of Frederick Henry Prince, a wealthy investment banker and businessman, and was raised on the family estate, Princemere. Educated at Groton, he graduated from Harvard in 1908, and from Harvard Law School in 1911. An aviation enthusiast, he received his pilot's license in 1912. With close ties to France, he was anxious to serve that country in the Great War, and with several other young Americans was instrumental in establishing the Lafayette Escadrille. Despite his poor eyesight, Norman Prince was credited with 4 confirmed victories over German aircraft. On the evening of October 12, 1916, Prince was attempting to land at Corcieux airfield following a raid on a German weapons factory at Oberndorf. His Nieuport struck an elevated telegraph wire, and he was fatally injured, dying in hospital three days later. Initially interred at Luxeuil, his remains were later placed in the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial tomb at St. Cloud, near Paris. In 1937, his father had Norman Prince moved to what would be his final resting place, a tomb within the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
Bio by: Brian Pohanka
Family Members
Advertisement
