Major General Edward Peck Curtis began his career as a lieutenant in World War I. His six aerial victories made him a flying ace. Born in Rochester, New York, Edward Peck Curtis was a graduate of St. Georges School, Newport, Rhode Island. He attended Williams College, where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Society, before dropping out to join the American Field Service with the French Army in 1917. He then served as a Major in the 95th Aero Squadron after the United States entered the war .