Answer: American Expeditionary Forces

During the First World War, Rhode Island native and Pennsylvania Railroad bridge designer Stephen H. Noyes served as an American Expeditionary Forces pilot in France. As such, he flew several reconnaissance missions over enemy lines. During these missions, Noyes was responsible for obtaining photographs of landmarks, railroads, highways, and rivers in surrounding areas. Noyes received the Croix de Guerre for his mission on July 6, 1918, when he attacked enemy forces, which allowed his observer to take the necessary photographs. He then attacked a second time and was forced to land behind enemy lines. On October 16 of the same year, Noyes completed a dangerous mission to stake out advanced lines. In spite of approaching darkness and bad weather that forced him to fly at a low altitude, he obtained the necessary information while exposed to heavy enemy fire. After landing on a shell-torn field, Noyes walked to headquarters. For this action he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. He was discharged from the Army in 1919.

The papers of Stephen H. Noyes at HSP (#1472) date from ca. 1916-1925 and consist of several detailed photograph albums, correspondence, reports, orders, maps, and Army publications.