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[[strikethrough]] 21st [[strikethrough]], 1918, on the liner Martha Washington [[strikethrough]] [[and?]] [[strikethrough]] which docked at Norfolk, Virginia.
From January to July, 1919, Colonel Thaw was Commanding  Officer at Rockwell Field, San Diego, California, then on July 17th he was honorably discharged from military service.

During his military aviation service Thaw received many honors and decorations, was the first American to fly over German lines (this was prior to America's entry), the first United States aviator in uniform in France in World War I, and when he was first given command of the Lafeyette Escadrille he was the only American to ever hold such a position in a French service.

After his discharge Thaw emerged in prospecting in lower California until 1921 when he became involved in lighter-than-air promotion until 1923. Following this he returned to Pittsburgh where he entered the insurance and brokerage business and also served in local civic affairs.

After an illness of only a week Thaw died of pneumonia on April 22d, 1924 at his home, age 41. He was survived by his wife, a brother and a sister. Burial was in the family plot in Alleghany Cemetery, Pittsburgh.

Flying Pioneer William Thaw was know as the Dean of United States aviators in World War I. An early sportsman pilot who went on to fame and glory during the war, Officer of the Legion of Honor with 8 German victories to his credit, leader and organizer, he was indeed and unusual airman of his era, who contributed much to the early history of American aviation.  

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