Born in 1893, Paul Baer's dream was to become an aviator. As a youngster he grew up in Fort Wayne where he attended Clay, Jefferson, and Nebraska schools. Baer, eager to serve as a fighter pilot in World War I over France, Belgium and Germany, enlisted in the Franco American Flying Corps in January, 1917.

In letters home, Baer wrote, "My first flight in the clouds was exciting. Several times my heart was in my mouth." About his first landing he wrote, "I landed in a yard at a farmer's house."

He also wrote that he had a keen desire for flying and that he could hardly wait for his squadron to be sent to the front so he could inspect the German lines from the air.

Baer's first combat "kill" was officially credited to him on March 11, 1918. He flew during the first battle at Verdun. It was then that his engine stopped and he was forced to land on the battlefield, which he did without injury.

Another time he was not so lucky. Baer was shot down by German anti-aircraft fire on May 22, 1918. He wrote his mother, "My machine was riddled with bullets. I went through a tree and crashed into the ground, smashing my machine to bits. I have bruises all over, but am getting along all right. I am in a hospital. When through here, I will probably go to a British aviators' prison camp somewhere in Northern Germany." He was a prisoner for eight months.

During his service with the famous Lafayette Escadrille, Baer was decorated with the CROIX de GUERRE with Palms. Palms represents the highest citation degree given by the French. The War Department gave Baer credit for bringing down eight enemy planes.

Baer returned to Fort Wayne February 28, 1919, to a hero's welcome. He soon became an aviation pioneer as a test pilot doing research for aeronautical laboratories located in Detroit. Baer then served as an inspector in the Aeronautics branch of the Department of Commerce. However, this job proved too boring, so he went to South America to establish air mail service.

Baer had escaped death many times. It finally caught up with him December 9, 1930, while flying for Chinese Airway Federal, Inc. He was carrying a load of mail and passengers when his plane crashed.

During ceremonies in Fort Wayne, more than 20,000 people visited his flag-draped casket. Today, he rests in Lindenwood Cemetery.