Roll of Honor
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Philip Edward Hassinger
- School: Columbia College
- Class Year: 1914
- War: World War I
- Date of Death: September 14, 1918
First Lieutenant Philip Edward Hassinger, 22nd Aero Squadron, U.S. Army, a member of the Zeta Psi Fraternity at Columbia, was a pilot who died on the second day of the St. Mihiel offensive in September 1918, after taking down two enemy planes. He was last seen in combat over Mars-la-Tour, France, September 14, 1918. He is memorialized on the Missing in Action or Buried at Sea Tablets of the Missing at St. Mihiel American Cemetery, Thiaucourt, France.
Tributes
I find it difficult to learn that your memorial has no visitors. You died a horrific death, hit by an artillery shell and exploded into nothing as witnessed by the German ace Lieutenant Georg von Hantelmann. He stated your entire plane disintegrated into bits and all evidence of your plane and mortal remains fell into the lake below (Lake Lachaussee). There you remain. As a fellow Soldier, I salute your service and sacrifice. As a grandson of a WWII aviator killed in his aircraft, I add your name next to my grandfather's and promise not to forget your sacrifice for my benefit. Thank you.
- LTC Daniel C. Williamson
Is any of our information incorrect? You can submit corrections, additional photos, and/or tributes to uarchives@columbia.edu.