Arthur E. Easterbrook was born in Amsterdam, New York on November 4, 1893 to Major E. P. Easterbrook and his wife. He enlisted in the Army in 1917, then transferred to the Air Service in May 1918. He was sent to France and served with the Royal Air Force before being reassigned to the 1st Observation Squadron in August 1918. He flew as an observer on Salmson 2A2 aircraft and according to news reports was the only observer to be credited an ace during the American participation in the war. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross with the oak leaf cluster for his service during the St. Mihiel offensive, as well as the Purple Heart and the Croix de Guerre.

After the war, Easterbrook served in the Air Service in various capacities at Kelly Field (Texas), the Philippines, Duncan Field (Texas), the Office of the Chief of the Air Corps (Washington D.C.), and Wright Field (Ohio). He briefly retired from the Army in 1939, only to be called back to active duty in 1940. He served as a recruiter and commanding officer at various bases, and retired in 1946. He received the Legion of Merit for his training and recruiting efforts in 1945.

On January 20, 1950, Easterbrook was severely injured in a fall, which resulted in paralysis. He died on July 24, 1952 in Long Beach, California.



Sources and further reading:

Biography derived from collection materials.

U.S. Air Force. "Brigadier General Arthur E. Easterbrook." http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/Biographies/Display/tabid/225/Article/108060/brigadier-general-arthur-e-easterbrook.aspx