Sydney Brown

Sydney MacGillvary Brown was an author and associate professor of medieval history at Duquesne University. He originally gained renown as a World War I flying ace. He attended Oxford University on a Rhodes Scholarship to earn his Ph.D before going on to a distinguished academic career.

World War I service
Brown joined the Royal Flying Corps in July 1917. On 4 July 1918, he was assigned to 29 Squadron, which was operating Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5as at the time. He destroyed a Fokker D.VII on 12 August 1918, a DFW reconnaissance plane on the 19th, another Fokker D.VII on 28 September, an observation balloon on 27 October 1918, and a third D.VII on the 28th.

Honors and awards
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

2nd Lieut. Sydney MacGillvary Brown. (FRANCE)

On 28 October, when on offensive patrol, this officer, in company with three other machines, attacked nine Fokkers; three of the latter were destroyed, 2nd Lieut. Brown accounting for one. In addition, he has three hostile aircraft and one balloon to his credit. He is a fearless and intrepid officer.

Supplement to the London Gazette, 8 February 1919 (31170/2036)