Ensign Potter, as second pilot to a British captain on North Sea service, won the distinction of being the first American naval aviator to shoot down a German seaplane. He flew from the North Sea Station on 25 April 1918 in company with another plane. They were approximately six miles from North Hinder Light when they spotted two German planes heading toward them. Five other enemy planes joined them, and they all attacked the two British aircraft. Ensign Potter was shot down and perished in his plane.