1918: 2Lt Samuel R. Keesler and pilot 1Lt H.R. Riley of the 24th Aero Squadron go on a special reconnaissance mission and are attacked in flight by four German fighters. Keesler tries to drive off the Germans with his machine gun, but the attackers shoot them down behind enemy lines. Keesler dies the next day from his wounds. Keesler AFB in Mississippi is named in his honor.