Guy Gilpatric

John Guy Gilpatric (January 21, 1896 – July 7, 1950) was an American pilot, flight instructor, journalist, short-story writer and novelist, best known for his Mr. Glencannon stories.

Fascinated with stories of the Wright brothers as a child, he aspired to become a pilot in early life and he received his pilot's license when 16-years-old. On November 28, 1912, he set a new United States altitude record by achieving an altitude of 4,665 ft (1,422 m). While still a teenager, he began working as a stunt pilot and as a flight instructor. During World War I, Gilpatric enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Service as a first lieutenant. He was stationed overseas as an engineering officer in the First Aero Squadron, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF). Following the war, he lived as an expatriate in France, working as a journalist and a publicity agent. He moved back to the United States in 1940, in the early phases of World War II. He is credited with popularizing spearfishing in the late 1930s, and influencing diving pioneers such as Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Hans Hass.

Gilpatric died as part of a suicide pact with his wife in July 1950, after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. He shot his wife in the back of the head, then shot himself. They both left notes for friends and family, saying that they chose "mercy bullets" over "magic bullets". It is widely believed that Maude Gilpatric did not have cancer, and that her doctor had read the wrong medical chart when making the diagnosis.