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The start of his new career
Ronald was tired of the Frenchmen not speaking English him not being able to speak French including the instructors constantly coming through interpreting. But one day his bunking buddy told him there were 14 calls for aerial observers and asked if he wanted to volunteer with him. Ronald then opened his eyes to aircraft, resulting in him and his friend volunteering and collecting the last 2 spots. -
Aerial observation Graduation
Ronald and his friend whom he volunteered with both happened to be the first graduating class of aerial observation. Becoming the first 25 in American history. -
Ronald's Distinguished Service Cross
Several machine gun bullets struck on August 17th, 1918 Lieutenant Llewellyn and Lieutenant Nell‘s airplane. One specific bullet cut the rudder and elevator control wires which caused the rudder to jam. Nell controlled the broken wire under the direction of Llewellyn. They ran it together until the plane became unmanageable despite the damage they brought it back to their airdrome. He was shortly granted the Distinguished Service cross for his bravery and perseverance. -
The loss of Joseph Nell
Ronald’s older brother Joseph who was a young Macon lieutenant was killed by being struck in the head. That injury occurred as he was going over the top of enemy lines while leading his men in the St. Mihiel drive during the French invasion in World War 1. -
Ronald's Rejection
They called Ronald and asked for his help as a former aviator to come to Montgomery Alabama. He tried to go back to flying at least 3 times but they found out he had an eye defect so they wouldn't allow him to come back.