PILOT STORIES: Cole, Christopher C.

Cole was assigned a position as pilot's mechanic. He was either unable or not permitted to show off his flying skills adequately to be promoted to full pilot, and left the service December 31, 1919. He subsequently moved to Miami and served as a flying school instructor.

A few weeks after Cole left, his supervisor in Washington, D.C. received a plea from Charles Hoyer. Apparently Cole had borrowed money to travel from Philadelphia to DC and not repaid the loan. Hoyer, writing from Bustleton, Pennsylvania on January 8, 1919 asked for help from G. L. Connor, Chief Clerk to the Second Assistant Postmaster General.

When Christopher Cole was here at the Field in charge he needed some expense money and I advanced it, which has been my custom. The day he went away he needed some additional funds which we also advanced, with the understanding however, that upon reaching Washington he would communicate with me and send me a check. He has been away at least ten days and I haven't heard from him and I would be glad to know if there is any way I could communicate with him or could get the money.

I would certainly appreciate your interest in the matter as I am always ready to help any of the fellows out, but I do think that there ought to be some way of my getting it back.

Connor's responded the next week, telling Hoyer that Cole had resigned from the service and left the area. He was thought to be in Miami, Florida, but the department had no exact address for him. "He drew all the pay that was due him before leaving Washington. I'm very sorry that you did not notify me sooner regarding his actions."