More than 200 American pilots would serve in the French Air Service, known as the Service Aéronautique, during World War I. The most elite of the group were assigned to their own squadron.
Thank you, Tara. My Grandfather was a Pilot in France during WWI, He was a Forward observer taking photos of the lines and crossing into enemy territory to do so, he was shot down many times, and once, his goggles were shot off his head, but landed in the cockpit, so he had a souvenir of his split metal goggles that are now in the Smithsonian Institute. Many other items were donated. Aerial photo's and a Huge scrap book he made during the war. He was not part of the French Air Service as far as I know, but still, he is my hero.
I find it interesting that 10 years after airplanes were invented that American men would flock to France to fly such primitive planes into combat and under the French flag. These people were either a bit crazy or full of daring, or both. But they did it and maybe, they were the actual beginning of the United States Air Force. Thank you Tara for finding such items of history to continue my daily history lessons.
When reading this, keep in mind that the aircraft they were flying were as cutting edge as the military aircraft our Air Force toys today. You can rest assured that fighter tactics and techniques that worked were endlessly discussed, and analyzed in an effort to Gey ahead, and stay ahead of their German foes.
Interesting, Tara! Also interesting Is that our pilots were fighting in WWI while President Wilson was running for re-election under a “He Kept Us Out of War” platform 🤔
Thank you, Tara. My Grandfather was a Pilot in France during WWI, He was a Forward observer taking photos of the lines and crossing into enemy territory to do so, he was shot down many times, and once, his goggles were shot off his head, but landed in the cockpit, so he had a souvenir of his split metal goggles that are now in the Smithsonian Institute. Many other items were donated. Aerial photo's and a Huge scrap book he made during the war. He was not part of the French Air Service as far as I know, but still, he is my hero.
Fantastic!
I find it interesting that 10 years after airplanes were invented that American men would flock to France to fly such primitive planes into combat and under the French flag. These people were either a bit crazy or full of daring, or both. But they did it and maybe, they were the actual beginning of the United States Air Force. Thank you Tara for finding such items of history to continue my daily history lessons.
The experience they gained would be invaluable during WWII
? never heard of this one!
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 Betsy Tara Ross!
Brave Men for sure. Another new story for me. Thanks Much Tara!
When reading this, keep in mind that the aircraft they were flying were as cutting edge as the military aircraft our Air Force toys today. You can rest assured that fighter tactics and techniques that worked were endlessly discussed, and analyzed in an effort to Gey ahead, and stay ahead of their German foes.
Interesting, Tara! Also interesting Is that our pilots were fighting in WWI while President Wilson was running for re-election under a “He Kept Us Out of War” platform 🤔