John McGavock Grider served as a pilot in World War I, flying with the Lafayette Escadrille, a squadron of American volunteer pilots fighting for France before the United States officially entered the war. Grider was one of the first Americans to join the Lafayette Escadrille and he played a crucial role in combat missions, contributing to the overall war effort. Tragically, Grider was killed in action in September 1918 during a dogfight with German aircraft. His bravery and sacrifice in the air war were recognized and honored by both the French and American military.
