1st Pursuit Group History –1918

Comprised of 17th, 27th, 94th, 95th, 103rd, 147th, and 183rd Aero Squadrons

Compilations Courtesy of SSgt John DesHetler, 1st Fighter Wing History Office, Langley AFB, VA

1917   1919

2 Jan 1918

27th - Major Harold E. Hartney, assigned as Commanding officer

 

183rd - Major Geoffrey H. Bonnell, assigned as Commanding Officer

 

 

9 Jan 1918

17th Aero Squadron entrained at Garden City, New York, for New York City, and immediately upon arrival at New York embarked on SS Carmania, one of a convoy of 14 ships.

 

 

11 Jan 1918

27th - Ordered to proceed to New York City 14 January per Special Orders #9, Kelly Field.

 

 

13 Jan 1918

All cadets who were serving with 27th and 147th Aero Squadron were commissioned as officers and assigned to the units with which they were serving.

 

 

16 Jan 1918

Major B. M. Atkinson, Captain Philip J. Roosevelt, Captain John C. Rankin, Six Sergeants First Class and one civilian employee were assigned to 1st Pursuit Organization Center, and departed Paris 8:30 AM in 14udson Touring Car and 3 Fiat Trucks for Villeneuve-Les-Vertus, France, arriving late in day. This was the forerunner of the present First Pursuit Group.

 

27th - Departed Hicks, Texas, by rail, for Garden City, New York.

 

 

24 Jan 1918

94th - Squadron entrained at Paris, France for Issoudun, France, arriving late in day and immediately marched to 3rd Aviation Instruction Center.

 

 

24 Jan 1918

17th - Arrived Liverpool, England, after an uneventful voyage. Many rumors had been rife as to what assignment was to be made of the squadron but no definite information had been received. The squadron after landing immediately entrained for Romsey Rest Camp, arriving late in day,

 

 

28 Jan 1918

360th Aero Squadron organized at Kelly Field #2, under command of 1st Lieut. Louis B. Montfort, under authority Special Orders #17, Kelly Field. Original personnel obtained by transfer from 288th Aero Squadron.

 

95th - Major Raoul Lufbery assigned and assumed command.

 

27th - Arrived Garden City, New York and placed in quarantine for scarlet fever. Two officers and sixty enlisted men were eventually to be transferred out of the squadron as a result of this epidemic.

 

 

31 Jan 1918

185th - Sailed from New York City, New York, for Liverpool, England, aboard Adriatic.

 

 

1 Feb 1918

48th Aero Squadron redesignated 435th Aero Construction Squadron.

 

103rd - Relieved from construction work at 3rd Aviation Instruction Center, Issoudun, France, and commenced training to obtain specific instruction on French airplanes.

 

 

2 Feb 1918

Construction of barracks, hangars, shops, etc. to house the First Pursuit Group was started at VilleneuveLes-Vertus, France, by French and Italian Labor Squadrons, supervised by Organi2ation Center Officers. It was reported that upon organi2ation the First Pursuit Group was to be equipped with 36 type XXVIT Nieuport airplanes.

 

 

3 Feb 1918

27th - Scarlet fever quarantine removed and squadron immediately ordered aboard ship,

 

 

9 Feb 1918

17th - Squadron sailed from Southampton, England, for Havre, France, aboard channel boat with shipment of mules and equipment destined for use by a Jewish Regiment on its way to Palestine.

 

 

10 Feb 1918

17th - Arrived Havre, France and immediately split into detachments. Headquarters Flight was ordered to the 2 7th Squadron R. A. F. at Martigny; " A" Flight was attached to the 84th Squadron, R. A. F. at Quizancourt, France; "B" Flight ordered to 60th Squadron, R. A. F. at St. Marie Cappell on the Flanders front and "C" Flight ordered to 56th Squadron, R. A. F. at Baizieux, France.

 

95th - Major Raoul Lufbery relieved from command and transferred to Headquarters First Pursuit Organization Center, Captain James E. Miller assumed command.

 

 

12 Feb 1918

Brigadier General Foulois signed agreement with French Republic whereby the French Republic was to supply the 103rd Aero Squadron with type VII Spads and necessary equipment for active service.

 

 

13 Feb 1918

103rd - Orders received from commanding General, L. 0. G. to proceed to LaNoblette. France, for assignment to command and active duty.

 

 

15 Feb 1918

147th - Squadron, consisting of 4 officers and 162 enlisted men, entrained at Fort Worth, Texas, for Garden City, New York.

 

 

16 Feb 1918

95th - Squadron entrained at Issoudun, France, for the front, on cars which were entirely without windows, and which had not been cleaned since the previous trips with loads of horses and mules. The day was very cold and raw and the officers and men built fires on the floors of the cars to warm themselves and incidentally to dispose of the litter.

 

103rd - Departed Issoudun, France, under command of 1st Lieut. Phocien Parks, 7:00 AM, by train.

 

 

17 Feb 1918

95th - The Squadron reached Chalons, France, and was ushered into the war by undergoing a German air raid the first night. The squadron equipment was damaged by bomb splinters but none of the squadron personnel were injured.

 

 

18 Feb 1918

103rd - The squadron, consisting of 103 enlisted men, under command of 1st Lieut. Phocien Parks, arrived LaNoblette, France, at midnight, and all the officer and pilot personnel of the l24th Squadron, French, (Lafayette Escadrille) was merged with the squadron, and Major William Thaw assumed command. By this action the squadron assumed the history and tradition of the "Escadrille LaFayette" and continued to be known as that. The unit was immediately assigned the 2lst Combat Group, 4th French Army.

 

 

19 Feb 1918

147th - Arrived Garden City, New York, and assigned to Air Service Concentration Depot, where squadron was immediately placed under quarantine for scarlet fever.

 

 

23 Feb 1918

95th - 1st Lieut. N. M. Foster, Med. Corps, relieved.

 

 

25 Feb 1918

360th - 1st Lieut. W. M. Townley, assigned to and assumed command of the squadron, relieving 1st Lieut. Louis B. Montfort who was transferred.

 

 

26 Feb 1918

27th - Embarked from New York City, New York, on troopship "527" after having lived aboard ship since February 9th awaiting assembly of convoy,

 

 

1 Mar 1918

147th - Squadron relieved from quarantine and entertained by ladies clubs in New York City. Every imaginable sort of clothing was given to enlisted men, from hand-knitted socks which would have fitted baby elephants to sweaters just large enough to accommodate a new-born babe. Major Bonnell, the Commanding Officer, received a sports bag, the contents of which always remained a mystery, and many boxes of huge black cigars, which he eventually consumed late in the war. Captain C. A. Cobb, Med. Corps, relieved, and 1st Lieut. G. A. Rice, Med. Corps assigned as surgeon. 1st Lieut. D. W. Cassard assigned.

 

360th - Squadron filled to authorized strength at Kelly Field, Texas, and prepared to move abroad. 2nd Lieuts. Orner O. Niergarth and James Galligan relieved, and 1st Lieut. James M. Wellborn, Med. Corps, assigned as surgeon.

 

 

2 Mar 1918

360th - Assigned to 2nd Training Brigade at Kelly Field No. 1

 

 

3 Mar 1918

435th - Redesignated 462nd Aero Construction Squadron and ordered to active service as Army Troops, 1st American Army, A. E. F.

 

 

 

 

5 Mar 1918

27th - Arrived Liverpool, England, and immediately marched to Winchester Downs, where it went into camp.

 

94th - Squadron arrived Villeneuve- Les -Vertus and reported to Major Atkinson. Major John W. Huffer assigned to and assumed command relieving Captain Henry L. Lyster.

 

95th - First consignment of Nieuport XXVII's received.

 

147th - Entrained at Garden City, New York, 10:00 AM and embarked on SS Cedric'at Hoboken, New Jersey, 3:00 PM

 

 

6 Mar 1918

94th - Major Raoul Lufbery, 1st Lieutenant Douglas Campbell and Edward V. Rickenbacker took-off at Villeneuve-les-Vertus 8:15 AM in 3 type XXVII Nieuports. This constituted the first all-American flight over the lines by an American trained squadron.

 

147th - Squadron sailed from New York Harbor.

 

360th - Departed Kelly Field, Texas, b-y rail, for New York City, New York.

 

 

7 Mar 1918

94th - 1st Lieutenant Edward V. Rickenbacker, James A. Meissner, Edgar C. Tobin, M. Edwin Greene, Hobart Baker, and Joseph H. Eastman, assigned.

 

147th - Squadron arrived at Halifax, Nova Scotia, where Sir Walter Lawrence boarded the Cedric and messed with officers of the 147th Squadron for the remainder of the journey, giving lectures on the war and explaining the ideals for which the allies were struggling.

 

 

8 Mar 1918

27th - Squadron marched from Winchester Downs to Winnall Downs Rest Camp.

 

95th - First patrol by squadron, over lines. The type XXVIT, Nieuports which were assigned the Squadron were totally devoid of guns and necessary equipment. Captain Miller the Squadron Commander had trouble with his Nieuport and landed at Coincy, leaving the airplane and returning by motor lorry.

 

The lst Pursuit Group Organization Center started actual training of squadrons which were to comprise the 1st Pursuit Group. Major Raoul Lufbery of the 94th Squadron, a combat pilot of distinction, Captain James E. Miller, Commanding the 95th Squadron, Major John Huffer, commanding the 94th Squadron, were the principal flight instructors and were constantly in the air leading formations and endeavoring to discipline new pilots. That is, pilots new to the requirements of the war, in the functions of combat observation and training.

 

 

10 Mar 1918

95th - Captain James E. Miller went to Coincy and obtained the Nieuport left there on the 8th and flew it to Coligny where it was turned in for a Spad. He then joined a patrol with Major Davenport Johnson and Major Harmon over the Rheims sector. They were attacked by two German planes inside the German lines. Major Davenport Johnson last saw Captain Miller in a "Vrille" inside the German lines. This was the first casualty to be suffered at the Organization Center and the first battle casualty of the organizations which were to comprise the First Pursuit Group. Captain Seth Low assumed command of the squadron.

 

 

11 Mar 1918

103rd - While on voluntary patrol Lieutenant Paul F. Baer, single-handed attacked a patrol of seven enemy planes which had cut him off from his side of the lines, and destroyed one which fell near the French lines northeast of Rheims, France. This was the first victory over enemy an aircraft scored by any American squadron.

 

360th - Arrived Garden City, New York and immediately place in quarantine for Scarlet fever

 

 

12 Mar 1918

103rd - Captain Phelps Collins killed in action near Rheims, France.

 

27th - Squadron proceeded from Winnall Downs Rest Camp to Romsey Rest Camp.

 

 

14 Mar 1918

Comparative tests 'were made between Spads and Nieuports to determine their suitability for use by 1st Pursuit Group in an effort to maintain barrage patrols along the Marne against enemy low flying aircraft.

 

 

15 Mar 1918

95th - Three unarmed Nieuports made patrols of lines behind Marne during afternoon. Major Davenport Johnson assigned and assumed command relieving Captain Seth Low.

 

 

16 Mar 1918

103rd - While on voluntary patrol in the vicinity of Nogent-L'Abbesse, France, First Lieutenant Paul F. Baer attacked two enemy two-seaters and shot one down in flames.

 

 

17 Mar 1918

27th - Embarked at Southampton, England for LeHavre, France.

 

147th - The Cedric ran aground off the Isle of Man during the morning hours while enveloped in fog but was pulled off the bar late in the afternoon by tugs

 

 

18 Mar 1918

27th - Arrived LeHavre, France, in PM, and immediately entrained for Issoudun, France.

 

94th - First contingent of 16 type XXVII Nieuports powered ,with 160 Horsepower Monosaupape engines was received by squadron,

 

147th - Arrived Liverpool, England and cleared ship at 11:00 AM, entrained for American Rest Camp, Romsey, England, 11:00 PM.

 

 

19 Mar 1918

94th - Major Lufbery, First Lieutenants Edward V. Rickenbacker and Douglas Campbell made first flight by 94th Squadron over lines north of Marne and over Rhine,

 

 

20 Mar 1918

27th - Squadron arrived Tours, France.

 

94th - Major Lufbery, Lieutenant Wentworth and Thorne Taylor made patrol over the lines. The Squadron insignia, Hat-in-the-Ring, suggested by Captain Paul M. Walters, Med. Corps Surgeon, was adopted, and Lieutenant Wentworth was assigned the task of drawing the proposed insignia. The squadron was previously using the 103rd's emblem.

 

 

21 Mar 1918

The Great German Drive in the North began. All reserves were rushed to the North where the British and French were retreating in the face of the German Advance. The Group Monard with which the First Pursuit Organization Center shared the field, was moved to the Amiens Montdidier Region.

 

17th - Headquarters Flight remained behind when the 24th Squadron, R. A. F. vacated the airdrome at Moreuil, and only a few hours before the Germans reached it. The flight burned the buildings and such supplies as it was necessary to abandon, Before the task was completed the flight was under machine gun fire from the advance elements of the advancing troops. The flight then proceeded to Bertangles ,with the transport of the 24th Squadron. "A" Flight per formed a similar task for the 84th Squadron, R. A. F. at Qui2ancourt and proceeded to Roye to rejoin the84th Squadron. "B" Flight burned the buildings and supplies abandoned by the 60th Squadron, R. A. F., at St. Marie Cappelle and rejoined the squadron at Belluvue.

 

94th - Six additional Nieuports of various types were assigned to the squadron to bring the strength up to 22 airplanes.

 

147th - Embarked from Southampton for LeHavre. Lieut. Rice, Med. Corps, was replaced by 1st Lieut. W. W. Arnold, Med. Corps, as surgeon prior to departure. The ship sailed at 4:00 PM and shortly after getting out into the channel was stopped by fog. Anchor was dropped and the squadron remained in the English Channel all night.

 

 

22 Mar 1918

147th - The Squadron remained aboard ship in the English Channel until midnight waiting for the fog to lift. The ship proceeded about midnight but in the early morning hours progress was again halted due to heavy fog.

 

360th - Relieved from quarantine and engaged in drill and compiling organi2ational equipment prior to overseas duty

 

 

23 Mar 1918

27th - Moved from Quartier-de-Beaumont, Tours, to Issoudun.

 

147th - Arrived LeHavre, France, 6:00 PM and hiked about 4 miles in darkness until camp was made at about 11:00 PM. During the march the squadron observed flights of home defense airplanes patrolling above the coast.

 

 

24 Mar 1918

17th - "A" Flight retreated from Roye to Vert-Galland Farm in the face of the advance elements of the German attack.

 

95th - Squadron ordered to Aerial Gunnery Camp at Caseaux, France, to complete aerial gunnery instruction. The squadron had not completed training in the United States, and officers assigned overseas, while supposedly trained under the British and French had not been given gunnery practice.

 

147th - Entrained at LeHavre, France, 4:30 PM and arrived Tours, France, 8:00 PM, where the squadron immediately marched to the Aviation Instruction Center at Issoudun. Equipment of the enlisted men had been lost at Romsey and efforts to locate it had failed, It became necessary to complete the equipment of the organi2ation from salvaged supplies left by other organi2ations.

 

 

26 Mar 1918

17th - 'IC" Flight destroyed airdrome installations at Bai2ieux to prevent their failing into the hands of the enemy when the 60th Squadron, R. A. F. was forced to retreat from original airdrome to new airdrome at Vaheureaux Farm.

 

103rd - A patrol of three planes led by Major William Thaw while in the vicinity of Rheims, France, -was attacked by five enemy scouts and three two-seaters. In the ensuing. engagement the patrol destroyed I plane, , drove 2 down out of control and dispersed the remainder

 

 

27 Mar 1918

103rd - Major Thaw, Captain James Norman Hall and 1st Lieutenant Christopher Ford were attacked by an enemy patrol of five planes near Rheims, France, and in the following combat, Captain Hall destroyed one plane and after the patrol was dispersed followed an enemy single seater and destroyed it. Lieutenant Ford destroyed a single seater in the combat.

 

 

28 Mar 1918

17th - " B" Flight remained when the 60th Squadron, R. A. F. vacated the airdrome at Belluvue to destroy the installations and rejoined the squadron at Fienvillers.

 

 

29 Mar 1918

17th - "A" Flight destroyed abandoned supplies at VertGaland Farm when the 84th Squadron, R. A. F. retreated to Maison-Pontheiu.

 

27th - Squadron commenced active training at Issoudun.

 

 

31 Mar 1918

94th - Squadron enlisted personnel departed for Epiez, by truck, but immediately after personnel departed, fire broke out and completely destroyed one of the hangars and several machines. Several other machines parked in the open prior to take-off were seriously damaged by the fire.

 

95th - Squadron enlisted personnel departed from Caseaux for Epiez by truck and joined the headquarters detachment of the 1st Pursuit Organi2ation Center.

 

 

1 Apr 1918

17th - Headquarters flight detached from 24th Squadron, R. A. F. and placed under control of the 22nd Wing, Royal Air Force, as an Independent Salvage Section.

 

94th - Pilots and machines of the 94th Squadron arrived at Epiez. This airdrome was situated on a hill in the rainy and foggy valley of the Meuse and flying was almost impossible. Captain James Norman Hall of the 103rd Aero Squadron cracked-up a Neiuport while attempting a landing on the airdrome shortly after the squadron arrived.

 

147th - Actual flying training commenced at Tours-and 98 enlisted men detailed to duty in the hangars. The remaining enlisted men were detailed to various aircraft plants to obtain instruction on the equipment with which the unit was to be provided

 

 

4 Apr 1918

94th - First flights over lines made from station at Epiez.

 

 

5 Apr 1918

17th - "All Flight moved with 84th Squadron, R. A. F. from Vert-Gailand Farm to Bertangles when unit moved up after lines were straightened.

 

 

6 Apr 1918

103rd - lst Lieut. Paul F. Baer destroyed enemy plane in combat over Somme-Py.

 

 

 

 

7 Apr 1918

94th - Squadron ordered to Toul and departed from Epiez same day. On arrival at Toul the squadron passed from the control of the 1st Pursuit Organization Center and placed under VIII French Army to act as Independent Air Unit. Captains David McK Paterson and Kenneth Marr transferred from 95th Squadron as Flight Commander.

 

 

8 Apr 1918

94th - Squadron commenced active patrols and alerts over the lines from St. Mihiel to Pont-A-Mousson. Major Lufbery, Captains Marr and Peterson acting as Flight leaders. Captain James Norman Hall transferred from 95th Aero Squadron for duty as Flight Commander.

 

 

10 Apr 1918

27th Corporal Kruger was placed in arrest on suspicion of being a German agent after he had been seen talking to a German prisoner several times during the past few days. On investigation it was decided that he had obtained no information of value from the prisoner and had not passed information to the prisoner.

 

94th - First appearance of the Hat-In-The -Ring insignia, which was suggested by Captain Paul H. Walters, Medical Corps, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the design of which was drawn by 1st Lieutenant John Wentworth.

 

103rd - Relieved from assignment to Combat Group, 21 IV French Army and moved by truck train to Bonn-Maison, near Fismes, France, and assigned the VI French Army. The planes and pilots flew to Bonn-Maison late in the afternoon.

 

 

12 Apr 1918

17th - "B" Flight destroyed installations at the airdrome near Rougefay when 60th Squadron, R. A. F. retreated in face of German advance.

 

27th - Squadron declared a field day and participated in athletic events, baseball, and held a banquet in the evening with such necessary items for the banquet table as could be procured in the area. During the morning the mess sergeant had announced that he would have a surprise in the evening and he did. Three suckling pigs in all the finery necessary to properly set them off were set on the table. On questions as to where he obtained the pigs the mess sergeant held his own counsel and appeared sly.

 

94th - Major Lufbery destroyed an enemy single-seater near Epiez but the victory was never officially confirmed.

 

103rd - Captain Charles John Biddle destroyed enemy single-seater near Bamburg and 1st Lieutenant Paul F. Baer destroyed enemy bi-place near Poaart.

 

 

14 Apr 1918

94th - While on alert at about 8:00 AM, word was received that two enemy planes were over Tours. The clouds were very low and the day was quite disagreeable, a light mist and occasional- rain prevailing, Shut Lieutenants Douglas Campbell and Alan F. Winslow immediately jumped in their airplanes and took-off. A few minutes later the two pilots were attacked by the two German machines. Lieutenant Campbell shot the Pfalz single-seater down in flames and it fell on the airdrome. A few seconds later Lieutenant Winslow drove the albatross down out of control and it fell in the vicinity of the airdrome. These were the first two victories scored by an all-American, American Squadron, and the coincidence is unique in the annals of aviation. The following telegram was received from the Chief of Air Service, A. E. F. Paris, France:

 

 

 

"THE CHIEF OF AIR SERVICE THANKS THE 94TH SQUADRON

 

FOR THE TWO GERMAN ALBATROSS PLANES AND PILOTS BROUGHT DOWN WITHIN OUR LINES AND CONGRATULATES LIEUTENANT DOUGLAS CAMPBELL AND LIEUTENANT ALAN WINSLOW ON THEIR EXCELLENT WORK AND THEIR GALLANT CONDUCT"

 

 

 

Signed WHITEHEAD.

 

 

 

The following commendation was received from the Colonel commanding the Troops of the District of Toul

 

 

 

TOUL, April 14, 1918.

 

 

 

THE COLONEL COMMANDING THE TROOPS

 

FROM: Colonel Corbiere, Commanding the Troops of the Place De Toul.

 

TO: Major Huffer, Commanding the American Squadron, 94.

 

 

 

My dear Comrade:

 

 

 

In my capacity as the Commandant of the Troops of Toul, I wish to send you, both in my name, and in the name of the troops of the Town, my most sincere compliments for our splendid success of to day. It was because of its immediate readiness, its initiative, its organi2ation and the rapidity with which the pilots took the air, that the escadrille under your orders has obtained the brilliant result. Two German Avions brought down after one minute of combat. The garrison and the population of the town of Toul are happy in the victory for American Aviation, and in it they foresee yet more glorious successes in the future. I would be very glad if you would express to the personnel of the squadron under your orders the sentiments of admiration toward them, of the population of the town and of the troops, and if you would convey to them my own sincere good wishes. CORBIERE

 

 

15 Apr 1918

94th - Brigadier General Liggett, Commanding 1st Army, A. E. F. and Colonel William Mitchell, Chief of Air Service, 1st -Army, A. E. F. , visited the squadron to observe its work.

 

 

18 Apr 1918

94th - Second Lieutenant A. L. Cunningham transferred to Organi2ation Center Headquarters as Operations Officer.

 

 

20 Apr 1918

27th - Squadron departed Epiez by truck. A detachment of 15 enlisted men going to Paris to obtain 15 trucks and drive same to Epiez on May 6th, 1st Lieutenant James C. Marquardt killed in crash of Nieuport on take-off at Issoudun for Epiez, Captain Enga M. Arnold, Medical Corps, 1st Lieutenant Robert S. Houston, John C. Kennedy, Philip E. West and 2nd Lieutenant Mahlin P. Bryan transferred to 1st Air Depot.

 

94th - Three type XXVIII Nieuports received from Depot as Replacements.

 

103rd - While on patrol Major Thaw and 1st Lieutenant George E. Thurnure destroyed an enemy balloon near Montaigu. While returning from this mission Major Thaw attacked two enemy single-seater scouts one of which he shot down in flames near Montaigu.

 

147th - Squadron departed by truck train from Tours for new station at Epiez

 

 

21 Apr 1918

Baron Manfred Von Richtofen, leading German ace and Commander of the famed "Richtofen Circus" was killed in combat near Vaux-Sur-Somme by Captain Roy A. Brown, 209th Squadron, R. A. F. 10:45 AM.

 

 

22 Apr 1918

Baron Von Richtofen, German Air Force, buried at Bertangles, France, with full military honors. All flights of the 17th Aero Squadron, U.S.A. contributed toward the floral tributes sent by the organizations to which they were attached, and one officer from each flight accompanied the personnel of the squadron to which attached to the burial services.

 

 

 

27th - Squadron under command of lst Lieutenant Julian B. Dupuy reported to the First Pursuit Organization Center at Epiez.

 

 

 

95th - The 16 officers of the squadron who had been undergoing final aerial gunnery training at Caseaux rejoined the squadron at Epiez to bring the unit to full strength

 

 

 

147th - Squadron under command of 2nd Lieutenant S. N. Purcell reported to the First Pursuit Organization Center at Epiez.

 

 

23 Apr 1918

94th - Major Lufbery had combat with bi-place but his guns jammed after he fired about five rounds and he was forced to withdraw from the combat.

 

103rd - 1st Lieutenant Paul F. Baer and C. H. Wilcox destroyed an enemy monoplane near St. Gebain

 

 

26 Apr 1918

94th - Lieutenants Douglas Campbell and Alan F. Winslow decorated with the Croix-de-Guerre, by General Gerard, Commanding VI French Army, for action of 14 April.

 

 

27 Apr 1918

27th – 1st Lieutenant Clayton C. Ingersoll killed in crash of type XXVII Nieuport at Aviation Training Center, Issoudun, France, 3:05 PM.

 

 

28 Apr 1918

27th - lst Lieutenant Clayton C. Ingersoll buried by 138th Aero Squadron at Issoudun. Squadron engaged in liberty party to Neufchateau.

 

360th - Orders received for overseas service. Squadron engaged in intensive training preparatory to move.

 

 

29 Apr 1918

94th - Captain James Norman Hall and 1st Lieutenant Edward Rickenbacker destroyed a Pfalz in flames near Vigneulles-les-Hatton Chatel.

 

 

30 Apr 1918

103rd - Squadron moved by truck train from Bonn-Maison to Fismes, France, and entrained at Fismes for Leffrincheucke, near Dunquerque, Belgium. Relieved from VI French Army per orders 23791. Airplanes and pilots flew to Dunquerque, Belgium where they remained awaiting the enlisted personnel.

 

 

1 May 1918

94th - Major Lufbery turned over on flying field when engine failed in Nieuport on take-off.

 

360th - Moved from Mitchel Field, New York, to tent camp at Aviation Concentration Camp No. 2, Garden City, New York.

 

 

2 May 1918

94th - Lieutenants Meissner, Winslow and Davis attacked a formation of three enemy bi-place machines north of Pont-A-Mousson. After a short fight Lieutenant Meissner brought one machine down in flames near the Foret de la Rappe. The fabric of the leading edge and on the lower ,wings was torn loose during the combat and he was subjected to heavy anti-aircraft fire from German batteries but by skillful operation and cool determination he managed to coax the crippled airplane across the American lines.

 

103rd - Squadron arrived at Dunquerque and proceeded to Leffrenckeucke via Bay Dunnes, Flanders, where it was assigned to Detachment of the Army of the North and Northeast (DAN).

 

 

3 May 1918

94th - While leading a patrol of three airplanes over the lines near Luneville, Captain David McK Peterson and Lieutenant Charles Chapman, Jr. , engaged an enemy patrol of five scouts. Lieutenant Loomis the other member of the patrol was forced to withdraw from the engagement after his guns jammed but he stayed overhead bluffing enemy aircraft from entering the melee. Lieutenant Chapman shot down a monoplane out of control (unconfirmed) and was in turn shot down in flames by a bi-plane. Captain Peterson shot down a monoplane and the enemy patrol was dispersed. During a later patrol Captain Hall and Lieutenant Winslow engaged in indecisive combats with an enemy patrol, While attempting a take-off on a voluntary patrol later in the afternoon Lieutenant Winslow crashed and washed out the landing gear on his airplane when engine trouble developed.

 

183rd - Departed Hoboken, New Jersey, aboard S. S. Demosthenes.

 

 

4 May 1918

95th - Moved from Epiez, France to Gengault, France. The enlisted personnel proceeding by truck and the airplanes and pilots following by air later in the afternoon.

 

 

5 May 1918

GROUP - Headquarters 1st Pursuit Organization Center redesignated 1st Pursuit Group Headquarters and the 94th and 95th Aero Squadron assigned to the 1st Pursuit Group which was organized at Gengoult, France, under command of Major B. M. Atkinson,

 

94th - Recalled frorn VIIIth French Army and assigned 1st Pursuit Group . Moved to airdrome at Gengoult, - France, and occupied sheds, tents and shacks until completion of barracks.

 

 

6 May 1918

94th - Captain James Norman Hall, 1st Lieutenant Edward V. Rickenbacker and Eddie Green while on voluntary patrol sighted a flight of three enemy scouts near Preny. The flight attacked the German patrol and Lieutenant Rickenbacker destroyed a Fokker monoplane which was not confirmed until November 16, 1918. Lieutenant Green also destroyed a Pfalz which was unconfirmed. Captain Hall while following a Fokker in a dive lost the fabric- on his wings and his plane was hit by a dud anti-aircraft shell and felt into a spin. On making a crash landing in German territory he suffered a broken ankle and was taken prisoner. During a patrol later in the day Major Raoul Lufbery destroyed an enemy scout which was unconfirmed, and in landing from patrol Lieutenant James Meissner turned over on the flying field when his airplane dropped in a hole.

 

103rd - The squadron was authorized by the Chief of Air Corps to carry the American Indian I-lead as a distinctive insignia for distinguished services rendered while with the IVth and VIth French Armies.

 

 

7 May 1918

147th - The squadron suffered its first overseas casualty when Private Henry G. Black was struck by lightning during a severe thunder storm and was instantly killed

 

 

8 May 1918

103rd - 1st Lieutenant Paul F. Baer destroyed two enemy airplanes near Mt. Kemmell in a combat lasting about ten minutes.

 

 

9 May 1918

27th - The Squadron Commander requested that bunks be made for three officers of the squadron who had been sleeping on the dirt floors for the past three nights.

 

 

 

94th - Two Type XXVIII Nieuports received by the squadron. On landing from early patrol in the morning, Captain Kenneth Marr and 1st Lieutenant Thorne C. Taylor approached the field and landed from opposite directions. While still moving on the ground at a high speed the planes engaged wings and the ships spun around and around. In the confusion both pilots had apparently opened their throttles and the machine guns in Captain Marr's plane opened fire, An explosion of ammunition in the carrying cases in Captain Marr's airplane set fire to the plane and it was completely demolished.

 

 

10 May 1918

147th - First type XXVIII Nieuport airplanes received at the squadron. On landing after being ferried from Langley, one of the airplanes was completely demolished when the undercarriage sank in the mud of one of the various holes on the flying field.

 

 

11 May 1918

27th - The Squadron Commander again requested that bunks be made for the three officers who have now been sleeping in blankets on the dirt floor for the past five nights.

 

94th - 1st Lieutenant Walter W. Smythe and Willard D. Hill assigned. Lieutenant Rickenbacker engaged Fokker in indecisive combat near Thiaucourt.

 

 

12 May 1918

27th - The Squadron was thoroughly shaken down in an effort to locate a fur flying suit, one of the few then in service, which disappeared from Issoudun about the same time that the squadron left. It was not found. The squadron baseball team took on the team from the 147th squadron with the understanding that the losers were to put on a barbecue. The feed was on the 147th Squadron and was enjoyed by both outfits.

 

95th - 1st Lieutenant Roy S. Ripley relieved and transferred to Issoudun. 147th - One additional Nieuport Type XXVII assigned

 

147th - One additional Nieuport Type XXVII assigned. First Lieutenant James A. Healy slightly injured in crash of Nieuport type XXVIII on landing from patrol, but airplane was completely demolished.

 

 

13 May 1918

147th - Four Nieuport type XXVIII's assigned to squadron.

 

94th - While on voluntary patrol Lieutenant Campbell attacked two enemy single- seaters at 2, 500 meters over Lironville. He shot one down, which was unconfirmed, and chased the other one far inside the German lines before breaking off the combat.

 

 

15 May 1918

94th - First Lieutenant George W. Zacariahas, Alden B. Sherry and John N. Jeffers assigned, While on voluntary patrol in the early morning, Captain David McK Peterson waited over the enemy airdrome at Thiaucourt at a high altitude until he observed two German bi-place Rumplers take-off and climb for our lines. He immediately dove and attacked one at a very low altitude sending it down in flames. The other rumpler which was above and behind him then opened fire on him and on turning and firing a short burst at it, it immediately exploded. While on voluntary patrol Lieutenant Thorne C. Taylor attacked a balloon north of Flirey but failed to destroy it. He was then attacked by a flight of three bi-place north of Villiers but succeeded in getting away from them and reaching the airdrome. Captain Marr on patrol attacked a bi-place near Thiaucourt but with no result. General Gerard, Commanding the VIIlth French Army, General I-Iunter Liggett, Commanding 1st Army Corps, A. E. F., Major General Edwards, Commanding the Z6th Division, and Colonel William Mitchell, Chief of Air Service 1st Army, visited the squadron for the purpose of decorating Captain David McK Peterson, Captain James Norman Hall (Missing)lst Lieutenant Edward V. Rickenbacker, 1st Lieutenant James A. Meissner, and 2nd Lieutenant Charles W. Chapman (Killed in action) with the CroixDe-Guerre. The decorations were awarded at 1:00 PM in the presence of two companies of French Infantry, Z companies of the Z6th Division, and the French Regimental Band and the Divisional Band. Immediately after the ceremony, a flight of six planes led by Colonel William Mitchell, Major Lufbery, Captains Peterson and Marr, and Lieutenants Rickenbacker and Meissner performed for about 20 minutes.

 

183rd - Arrived LeHavre, France, 1:00 PM and marched to American Rest Camp.

 

95th - Captain David McK Peterson transferred from 94th Squadron and assumed command, relieving Major Davenport Johnson, who was transferred to Paris, France for duty with the Chief of Air Service, A. E. F.

 

 

16 May 1918

94th - Lieutenant Douglas Campbell attacked enemy bi-place near Thiaucourt and was in turn engaged by a second enemy bi-place but both combats were indecisive.

 

 

17 May 1918

94th - Lieutenant Edward Rickenbacker engaged three enemy Albatross scouts near Richecourt and succeeded in destroying one. The other two dove for their side of the lines and in diving after them the wing on Lieutenant Rickenbacker's type XXVIII Nieuport snapped. By good luck he managed to nurse the crippled Nieuport back to the airdrome without being sighted by a single enemy airplane.

 

95th - 1st Lieutenant Richard A. Blodgett killed in combat with Fokker Triplane Scout over Marne. Major David McK Peterson destroyed an enemy bi-place near Richecourt Confirmed.

 

147th - On his first flight with the squadron late in the afternoon, Lieut. Vadnais crashed in a type XXVII Nieuport, completely destroying the airplane, but escaping uninjured.

 

 

18 May 1918

17th - Major Harold Fowler, M. C. assumed command of the American Air Service Units with the British Expeditionary Forces and had the 17th Aero Squadron tentatively equipped with the I 10 horsepower Sopwith Camels. The Squadron had previously trained, and the enlisted personnel had been trained in the maintenance of the Sopwith SE-5's, but the English Government could spare none of them at the time.

 

27th - 1st Lieutenant Malcolm Gunn entrusted with the design of a squadron insignia. An insignia proposed to have a shield in cloud background and pierced by an arrow was disapproved by the Chief of Air Service due to confusion 'with the insignia granted the 94th Squadron. Corporal Blumberg drew up the insignia, an American eagle with outspread wings and extended talons, which was said to have originated on the side of an Annhauser Busch Beer Wagon. The squadron was experiencing great difficulty with the pilfering of food from the mess hall and orders were issued by the Squadron Commander that the mess hall would be locked after every meal and no one, officer or enlisted man, other than the cooks, would be permitted to enter. The pilfering still continued.

 

94th - Lieutenant Campbell while on voluntary patrol attacked an enemy bi-place near Verdun. After firing a few bursts his guns jammed and he was forced to bluff his way until he corrected the jam, after which he fired a short burst and the enemy plane was shot down in flames. (confirmed). Captain Marr engaged an enemy bi-place in indecisive combat near Verdun. Lieutenant Thorne C. Taylor attacked an Albatross and a bi-place rumpler and saw the Albatross go down in flames near Verdun. (unconfirmed).

 

 

19 May 1918

27th - The squadron combined its best baseball players with the best the 147th had to offer and traveled to the Depot at Colombey-les -Belles, where the combined team lost a game to the team assembled at the depot, by the margin of one run.

 

94th - While on patrol near Flirey, France, at about 2,500 meters, 1st Lieutenant Douglas Campbell attacked an enemy bi-place and after shooting a few rounds his guns jammed. I-le maneuvered so as to protect himself and keep the enemy plane away from the enemy lines, corrected the jam and returned to the combat. After a short, Violent combat the enemy plane caught fire and crashed. (Confirmed). 1st Lieutenant Joseph 1-1. Eastman had a forced landing at Menil-les -Tour and completely demolished the airplane while returning from patrol, While watching two green American pilots combat two enemy two-seaters over the city of Toul, and observing the enemy two-seaters escaping, Major Lufbery became exasperated and jumped into the nearest machine. He immediately took off and attacked the nearest of the two seaters. He made one round of one of the machines and pulled off apparently to clear a jam, both two-seaters firing on him. A moment later he returned to the attack and after a very brief combat was seen to fall in flames. When about at a thousand meters from the ground, he jumped from the machine and fell into a small garden a few yards from the Moselle River. The machine crashed beyond the river in a small field. An examination of his body showed that he had been wounded in the head and his machine showed that the gasoline tank had been pierced and set afire. The old lady, into whose garden he fell, stated that after striking the picket fence surrounding the garden, he got up and then fell over dead. In all Lufbery's official and numerous victories he had never brought down an enemy machine in our lines and it is thought that this desire coupled with his exasperation at the sight of the enemy aircraft escaping, caused him to forget his usual tactics and caution and so led to his death.

 

 

20 May 1918

17th - Headquarters Flight relieved from 22nd Wing, R. A. F. and established as separate organization. The Headquarters Flight in five weeks had salvaged Z5 enemy planes and fourteen British planes. "A" Flight was relieved from the 84th Squadron, "Bl' Flight relieved from the 60th Squadron, "C" Flight relieved from the 56th Squadron, R. A. F. and united with the Headquarters Flight to again establish the unity of the squadron which was then assigned the 3rd Squadron, Royal Air Force, to learn about maintenance of the Sopwith Camels which were to be assigned the unit,

 

94th - Major Raoul Lufbery buried with military honors in the Aviators Cemetery at Sebastapol, France, General Gerard, Commander of the VIth French Army, and his entire staff, General Edwards, once commanding General of the unit to -which Pvt. Lufbery was assigned in the Philippine Islands, Colonel William Mitchell of the United States Air Service, together with hundreds of officers, French and American, from all branches of the Army Service on the Sector, attended. Lieutenant Kenneth P. Culbert wrote of the funeral to Professor C. T. Copeland, of Earvard University; "As we marched to the grave, the sun was just sinking behind the mountain that rises so abruptly in front of Toul; the sky was a faultless blue and the air heavy with the scent of blossoms. An American and a French General led the procession, followed by a band which played the funeral march and "Nearer My God to Thee" so beautifully that I for one could hardly keep my eyes dry. Then followed the officers of his squadron and my own, and after us, a group of Frenchmen famous in the stories of this war, American officers of high rank, and two American companies of Infantry, separated by a French company. We passed before crowds of American nurses in their clean white uniforms and a throng of patients and French civilians. He was given a full military burial,' with the salutes of the firing squad and the repetition of taps, one answering the other from the west. General Edwards made a brief address, one of the finest talks I have ever heard, while French and American planes circled the field throughout the ceremony. In all my life I have never heard "Taps" blown as beautifully as on that afternoon. Even some of the officers joined the women there in quietly dabbing at their eyes with white handkerchiefs. Truly France and American had assembled to pay a last tribute to one of their bravest soldiers. My only prayer is that somehow, by some means, I may do as much as he for my country before I too go west - If in that direction I am to travel." Lieutenant Culbert was killed in combat the day after his letter was written. To him Lufbery had been a shining example as he was to thousands of young airmen, French and American, and though the war is over and those heroic days gone for all time, perhaps, they keep his memory bright and follow him still.

 

 

21 May 1918

The Group established a bath at the rear of the camp. All who preferred to do so were authorized to bath in the creek at the foot of the hill but all squadrons were assigned separate days, both for the baths established by the group and the creek.

 

94th - Lieutenants Meissner, Taylor and Eill engaged in indecisive combats with enemy scouts. While returning from a voluntary patrol Lieutenant Alan Winslow made a forced landing bet-,veen Menil-les -Tour and Andid, in which the airplane was completely destroyed.

 

103rd - While on patrol near Armentieres, a patrol of six planes led by 1st Lieutenant Christopher W, Ford 'was attacked by an enemy patrol of about twenty Fokkers. Ten individual combats resulted in which one enemy plane was destroyed by the combined efforts of Lieutenants Paul F. Baer, Hobart Baker, Christopher W. Ford and Charles H. Wilcox, the plane falling near Ypres. The remainder of the enemy patrol withdrew to their side of the lines on the approach of a formation of American Nieuports.

 

 

22 May 1918

94th - 1st Lieutenants Edward Rickenbacker and Douglas Campbell engaged an Albatross near Flirey and destroyed it. (confirmed). 1st Lieutenant Paul B. Kurtz killed in combat witl-) Fokker when plane fell in flames near Gengoult Aviation Field about 9:50.

 

95th - 1st Lieutenant Edward Buford while on barrage patrol against German Photographic machines in the region of Comrrercy-St. Mihiel, attempted to dive thru the protecting flight to attack the photographic machine. Alone, he engaged five German bi-planes and destroyed one, the photographic machine and the protection flight returning to their side of the lines without accomplishing their mission.

 

103rd - A patrol of five planes attacked an enemy formation of eight scouts. Two of the planes of the squadron 'were forced to withdraw because of gun jams. lst Lieutenant 'Paul F. Baer destroyed one enemy scout which fell near Lavantie. The remaining planes of the German patrol continued to press the attack on the three planes and 1st Lieutenant Ernest A. Giroux was shot down near Armentiers.

 

 

23 May 1918

27th - Squadron engaged in Liberty Party to Neufchateau, France.

 

94th - Lieutenant Smythe badly damaged a Nieuport in forced landing at Villers-en-Haye while returning from patrol.

 

147th - All Nieuports were grounded on orders from the Air Depot due to the fragile fuel lines, which broke on the slightest vibration.

 

 

25 May 1918

94th - The Herring Sisters, a well-known song and dance team from the United States entertained the squadron after supper.

 

 

26 May 1918

27th - Two Nieuport XXVII being flown to the squadron by Depot Officers for replacement crashed at Housselmont and were completely destroyed.

 

94th - While on patrol Lieutenants Hill and Meissner engaged a patrol of enemy scouts in the vicinity of Flirey and destroyed two of them, both of which remained unconfirmed.

 

147th - An additional Nieuport XXVII was received from the Depot and immediately grounded.

 

 

27 May 1918

94th - While leading a formation of three planes, Lieutenant Douglas Campbell observed a flight of Dli's of the British Independent Air Force near Flirey being attacked by a formation of five Pfalz scouts. The flight moved into the engagement and Lieutenant Campbell destroyed one of the Pfalz machines which -fell near Flirey. (confirmed) In following up an attack on two Pfalz scouts Lieutenant Meissner dove his Nieuport too steeply and for too long and suffered the loss of his fabric on the upper plane, which forced him to land near Flirey, Lieutenant Meissner destroyed a Pfalz during this engagement which was not con-Firmed. During a late morning patrol in the vicinity of Montsec a patrol of five enemy monoplanes was encountered. Lieutenant Rickenbacker destroyed one 'which fell near Montsec (unconfirmed) and Lieutenant Hill drove down an enemy control (unconfirmed) before being seriously wounded by an airplane out of explosive bullet.

 

95th - Six plane patrol of the squadron, led by 1st Lieutenant John Mitchell encountered an enemy protection formation near Flirey, Lieutenant Mitchell dove thru the protection flight and destroyed an enemy bi-place, 'which later proved to be carrying information of vital importance to the Central powers. (confirmed). Lieutenants Curtiss, Fisher, Bu-Ford and Lanahan destroyed an enemy scout which was later confirmed and an enemy bi-place which was not confirmed. Lieutenant Mitchell climbed above the flight and destroyed the remaining plane of the patrol (unconfirmed). Lieutenant Mitchell was killed in combat near Colombey-les-Belles during the afternoon patrol.

 

 

28 May 1918

94th - lst Lieutenant Edward V. Rickenbacker destroyed an Albatross near St. Baussant (confirmed) and one near Flirey (Unconfirmed).

 

95th - 1st Lieutenants John A. Harnbleton and William Taylor in answering an alert from the Lironville Sector encountered five enemy airplanes in the vicinity of St. Mihiel. As the American planes approached the enemy turned away but Lieutenants Hambleton and Taylor followed and overtook them near Pont-a-Mousson. The enemy were flying in three elements, the lowest at about 1, 500 meters, then two at Z, 000 meters and the remaining two at Z, 500 meters. Lieutenant Harrbleton engaged the lowest one while Lieutenant Taylor remained above for protection. The enemy plane was forced to leave the formation and both American pilots then attacked it bringing it down (confirmed). The upper elements of the enemy formation then came down to the attack and in the combat the center section cross wires of Lieutenant Hambleton's plane were shot away and he was slightly wounded but disregarding the crippled condition of his airplane he and Lieutenant Taylor continued to engage the enemy until they were forced beyond the lines. In the engagement Lieutenant Taylor also destroyed an enemy scout which was not confirmed.

 

147th - Three additional Nieuport XXVIII's were received from the Orly Depot and the restrictions on flying the Nieuports was removed. Formation flying was resumed and all pilots fired on ground targets. Second Lieutenant Abernathy crashed -while on a practice patrol, the airplane being demolished but he was uninjured.

 

 

29 May 1918

27th - The squadron was paraded for a squadron photograph and for motion pictures, wearing canvas leggings and steel helmets. The officers of the squadron were then photographed.

 

94th - During a voluntary patrol Lieutenant Chambers and Campbell engaged a flight of five Fokkers near Thiaucourt and each destroyed one Fokker but neither was confirmed due to heavy haze and mist which prevented observation from the allied side of the lines.

 

 

30 May 1918

27th - The squadron was authorized to use blue streamers on the wings as a distinguishing feature until such time as the insignia was approved.

 

94th - A six plane flight, together \with a flight of six planes of the 95th Squadron, was ordered to protect Independent British Air Force units on a raid on Conflans. In an engagement during this flight, Lieutenant Meissner destroyed an Albatross near Jaulny which was confirmed and a Pfalz which was not confirmed. Attacking another enemy plane, Lieutenant Meissner again stripped the fabric-from his wings and was forced to retire from the melee, returning to the airdrome, where he crashed on landing, but escaped uninjured. Lieutenant Rickenbacker destroyed an albatross near Jaulny  which was confirmed. Lieutenant Campbell destroyed an enemy mono-place near Thiaucourt (confirmed). Lieutenant Chambers forced to withdraw from combat due to engine trouble and made a forced landing near Malzville due to engine failure.

 

95th - 1st Lieutenants Buckley, Hambleton, Casgrain, Mitchell and McKeown destroyed an Albatross near Jaulny (confirmed). Lieutenants Hambleton and Buckley destroyed a Pfalz near Jaulny (unconfirmed) and in the engagement Lieutenant Vilfred V. Casgrain while diving after an albatross stripped the fabric from his wings and was forced to retire from the combat. He managed to clear the combat without notice by the enemy but could not coax the crippled airplane over the lines and was forced to land between the lines where he was taken prisoner by the Germans.

 

 

 

 

31 May 1918

27th - Departed Epiez, France 10:00 and arrived Toul, France 3:00 PM. The squadron consisted of 30 officers, 190 men and two mascot geese. The Squadron was assigned a hangar to be shared with the 147th Squadron and the 122nd French Escadrille.

 

94th - While on patrol near Lironville, France, Lieutenants Meissner, Campbell, Smythe, Taylor and Coolidge engaged and destroyed an enemy bi-place (confirmed). Lieutenants Eastman and Loomis engaged in indecisive combats with Fokkers near Lironville.

 

95th - Lieutenant Mitchell and Taylor destroyed enemy Fokkers near Lironville but neither victory was confirmed.

 

147th - Squadron received orders at 9:00 AM to join the First Pursuit Group at Toul. At 10:00 AM the squadron was under way by truck train and reached Toul at 3:00 PM where Major Bonnell reported his command of 29 officers and 196 enlisted men to Major Atkinson. All airplanes were flown from Epiez to Toul and arrived safely except one flown by Lieutenant Maxwell 0. Parry who had a forced landing at Morincourt and who proceeded on the following day, and one flown by Lieutenant James A. 1-3ealy which crashed and was destroyed at Void.

 

 

1 Jun 1918

27th - The Squadron was assigned the 1st Pursuit Group and all pilots and enlisted men were given a lecture by the Group Commander, Major Atkinson, as to what was expected of the command, the Group in particular and the 1st Pursuit Wing in general.

 

94th - While on patrol in the vicinity of Lironville, Lieutenants Chambers and Rickenbacker engaged Fokkers in indecisive combats. Lieutenant Green destroyed a Fokker near Lironville, unconfirmed. Four additional Nieuport XXVIII's received as replacements from- the depot At Colornbey-les-Belles.

 

103rd - 1st Lieutenant George Thurnure destroyed balloon near Armentiers.

 

147th - Squadron assigned to Group and assigned hangar to be shared with 27th Aero Squadron and 122nd French Escadrille

 

GROUP - Orders issued for all concerned to keep to the roads, not to cross the airdrome due to gradual building of paths which revealed the location of the Group; to extinguish vehicle lights at night and that water stored in the reservoir was not to be wasted and under no circumstances was it to be used for the purpose of washing cars or vehicles.

 

 

2 Jun 1918

27th - First patrol of four officers of the squadron under command of Lieutenant Taylor of the 95th Squadron frorr 6:00 to 7:15 resulted in no combats, A second patrol of four officers under command of Lieutenant Buford of the 95th also resulted in no engagements. Lieutenant I-leinrichs of the 95th Squadron led a patrol of four ships from 11:30 to 13:00 which sighted enemy airplanes but too far away to engage in combat.

 

94th - Patrol of four Nieuports attacked by six Pfalz near Maiserais in the German lines. Second Lieutenant Philip W. Davis shot down in flames at 15:15 near Maiserais. Lieutenants Campbell, Eastman and Cunningham each destroyed a Pfalz but none of the victories were confirmed.

 

95th - 1st Lieutenant Royal U. St. John transferred to 1st Air Depot at Commercy. Lieutenants Heinrichs and Richards destroyed an Albatross near Lironville which was not confirmed.

 

147th - 'Patrols were begun by the squadron under supervision of the 94th Squadron which furnished Flight Commanders. All patrols were of four or five planes and as quickly as one flight landed the next flight took-off. Patrols were continuous from 6:00 to 18:00.

 

 

3 Jun 1918

27th - Three patrols of six planes each by the squadron under flight commanders furnished by the 95th Aero Squadron failed to produce any results.

 

95th - While on patrol with two other planes and in the vicinity of Menil-la-Tour, a flight of six enemy scouts attacked the formation. After a brief combat, the other two planes were forced to withdraw due to jammed guns and Lieutenant Sumner Sewal covered their withdrawal by continuing to attract the attention of the other enemy planes. When his companions were well away from the engagement he managed to send one of the Pfalz down in flames and then dove for the American lines. The victory was confirmed by an American Field Artillery observation post.

 

 

 

103rd - While on voluntary patrol, Lieutenant Hunter was attacked by two enemy biplanes in the vicinity of Ypres, Belgium. He destroyed one and after a severe engagement during which he was wounded in the forehead forced the other to withdraw to the German lines. (unconfirmed).

 

GROUP - The Group was visited by Major General Foulois, Chief of Air Service at 2:00 PM, to observe the results of the training undergone by the Group. Orders were issued to all units to conserve food insofar as was possible.

 

 

4 Jun 1918

27th - The Squadron made three patrols of six planes each, under the supervision of the 95th Squadron. On return from the first patrol, lst Lieutenant Enos Miller struck a tractor and mowing machine on the flying field which was being operated by a French civilian. The Frenchman was killed and the airplane was badly damaged. On attempting to have the Frenchman taken care of at the hospital, the French Hospital would not accept the body because he was already dead, and on applying to the American authorities at the .American Hospital, they would not accept him because he was a Frenchman. Lieutenant Miller made the merry rounds for about two hours trying to dispose of the body, until he finally called upon his Squadron Commander who turned the body over to the 122nd French Escadrille for disposal.

 

94th - One additional Nieuport XXVIII was received by the squadron. While on patrol near Epinonville, Lieutenants Rickenbacker, Loomis, and Green were attacked by a flight of Fokkers which were gaily painted. The Fokkers withdrew after a short engagement with no decision on either side. lst Lieutenant Morrison transferred to 1st Corps Observation Group.

 

147th - While on patrol in the vicinity of Aouze at about 11:05 the Nieuport flown by Second Lieutenant Edward A, Lawrence was hit by anti-aircraft fire and spun into the ground from an altitude of about 500 meters. Lieutenant Lawrence was instantly killed in the crash and his body thrown clear of the airplane which was destroyed by fire.

 

 

5 Jun 1918

27th - The squadron participated in five, six plane patrols, but none of the patrols engaged enemy aircraft.

 

94th - Major John Huffer was relieved of command of the squadron and transferred to the Staff of the Chief of Air Service, Zone of Advance. Captain Kenneth Marr assumed command. Lieutenants Meissner and Campbell engaged and destroyed a Rumpler Bi-place between the lines near Eply(confirmed) and during the combat Lieutenant Campbell 'was slightly wounded, Lieutenant Rickenbacker while on voluntary patrol had a forced landing near Menil-le-Tour,

 

147th - Second Lieutenant Edward A. Lawrence buried at Neufchateau, each officers of the squadron contributing 15 francs toward the price of a tombstone.

 

GROUP - The guns mounted in the Nieuports, both type XXVII and XXVIII, failed to fit due to the Tee on the upper plate of the gun being too high and rubbing against the cowling. As the guns were mounted, it was virtually impossible for anyone to work on them without taking the cowling off, and when the guns jammed in the air, the pilots were almost at the mercy of any combatant due to the inaccessibility of the gun. To correct this condition and to aid the pilot in clearing jams, it ,.vas recommended to the Chief of -Air Service and to the Chief of Ordnance, that the guns be made to fit the airplanes by cutting off the Tee on the top of the gun.

 

 

6 Jun 1918

27th - The squadron participated in four uneventful patrols. Pilots of the third patrols participated in two indecisive combats.

 

94th – 1st Lieutenant Douglas Campbell relieved from assignment to the squadron and ordered to the United States on a special mission. lst Lieutenants Leroy J. Prinz, John Jeffers, Frederick I. Ordway, Alden M. Sherry and Second Lieutenant Edwin R. Clark and Zacharias assigned, Three ship patrol encountered an enemy bi-place at 4, 000 meters near St. Mihiel and after a running fight extending far beyond the German lines Lieutenant Alan F. Winslow succeeded in bringing the bi-place in flames near Thiaucourt,

 

95th - 1st Lieutenant Harry E. Rubin, ordnance Department, relieved. Becoming separated frorn his patrol 1st Lieutenant John A. Hambleton was flying in the region of Gironville 'when he was attacked by two enemy biplanes. He engaged them in combat in spite of the fact that he was being subjected to the fire of both planes and forced them to return beyond the German lines preventing the completion of an observation and photographic mission. Later in the day, while leading a patrol an enemy formation of five Fokkers was encountered in the region of Grissolles. Lieutenant Hambleton destroyed one of the Fokkers and the remainder of the formation dispersed. On the same patrol Lieutenatit Rhodes destroyed a Fokker which crashed near Grissoles.

 

GROUP - Orders were issued for all units to be ready to move to the rear at a moment's notice due to the threatened German Drive. A memorandum was received from the Chief of Air Service, Major General Mason V. Patrick, and read to all squadrons assembled for the purpose. The Chief of Air Service requested that each individual co-operate to the fullest extent, stressing the fact that "It is not enough for each one to do his Individual best".

 

 

7 Jun 1918

27th - The squadron -Flew four protection patrols for the 122nd French and 1st American Observation Squadrons. No combats were reported by any pilots, although the patrols passed close to many German pursuit formations. 1st Lieutenant Donald I-Judson landed at Vaucouleurs Airdrome at 20:40 with broken wheel.

 

 

8 Jun 1918

27th - One protection patrol Flown for Spad of 122nd French Escadrille.

 

94th - 1st Lieutenant Chester A. Snow assigned. Lieutenants Taylor, Winslow, Wentworth and Meissner engaged in indecisive combats with Fokkers near Flirey, 1st Lieutenant Leroy J. Prinz destroyed machine in making -Forced landing near Dognevelle. 1st Lieutenant William Chalmers had forced landing near Pont-a-mousson. 1st Lieutenant John A. Butcher transferred to 1st Pursuit Group Headquarters.

 

103rd - lst Lieutenants Wilcox and Merrick destroyed enemy bi-place near Ypres (confirmed).

 

GROUP - A baseball team picked from among the squadrons of the Group journeyed to the grounds of Evacuation Hospital No, 9, and defeated the Hospital team by a close score.

 

 

9 Jun 1918

27th - Three protection patrols by the squadron to cover photographic missions by Spads of the1st American Observation Squadron,

 

103rd - Squadron moved -From Leffrincbeucke to Crochte, Belgium.

 

 

12 Jun 1918

27th - Three protection patrols flown by squadron for 91st and 1st Aero Squadrons and for 122nd French Escadrille.

 

103rd - Commandant Morrison, Commanding Aviation o47 the District of the North at Eringham, France, presented Major Thaw, Captain Biddle, Lieutenants Hobart a Baker, Frank O'D Hunter and Charles H. Wilcox with decorations for distinguished service with the French. Squadron proposed for citation of Order of the Army.

 

360th - Moved to Concentration Camp at Acceptance Park, Air Service General Depot, Garden City, New York, awaiting orders for overseas duty,

 

 

13 Jun 1918

27th - While performing a protection mission ror a Spad of the 91st American Aero Squadron, Lieutenants MacArthur, Clapp, Rucker and Plyler were attacked by an enemy flight of about seven Pfalz, one of which was destroyed and the others dispersed (confirmed). 2nd Lieutenant William 14. Plyler was driven down in German territory and made a prisoner. On the return flight the squadron was attacked by a flight of two-seater Hanoveran's near Thiaucourt, one of which was destroyed (unconfirmed). Afternoon protection patrol for 91st Aero Squadron engaged in combat with flight o-F Albatross but no victories were reported. 1st Lieutenant Edward Elliott had forced landing at Flins while returning from patrol.

 

 

 

94th - 1st Lieutenants Meissner, Thorne C. Taylor and 2nd Lieutenant Allan F. Winslow destroyed two-seater in vicinity of Thiaucourt (confirmed).

 

 

16 Jun 1918

27th - Squadron flew -Five protection patrols for the observation units in the sector. No cornbats reported. Artillery action very heavy over Montsec with damage to several planes due to anti-aircraft shrapnel.

 

 

9 Jun 1918

27th - Three protection patrols by the squadron to cover photographic rrissions by Spads of t'he 1st American Observation Squadron.

 

103rd - Squadron moved from Leffrincheucke to Crochte, Belguim.

 

 

11 Jun 1918

95th - 1st Lieutenant Charles N. Gravatt assigned.

 

 

12 Jun 1918

27th - Three protection patrols flown by squadron for 91st and 1st Aero Squadrons and for 122nd French Escadrille.

 

103rd - Commandant Morrison, Commanding Aviation o47 the District of the North at Eringham, France, presented Major Thaw, Captain Biddle, Lieutenants Hobart a Baker, Frank O'D Hunter and Charles H. Wilcox with decorations for distinguished service with the French. Squadron proposed for citation of Order of the Army.

 

360th - Moved to Concentration Camp at Acceptance Park, Air Service General Depot, Garden City, New York, awaiting orders for overseas duty,

 

 

13 Jun 1918

27th - While performing a protection mission -For a Spad of the 91st -American Aero Squadron, Lieutenants MacArthur, Clapp, Rucker and Plyler were attacked by an enemy flight of about seven Pfalz, one of which was destroyed and the others dispersed (confirmed). 2nd Lieutenant William H. Plyler was driven down in German territory and made a prisoner. On the return flight the squadron was attacked by a flight of two-seater Hanoveran's near Thiaucourt, one of which was destroyed (unconfirmed). Afternoon protection patrol for 91st Aero Squadron engaged in combat with flight of Albatross but no victories were reported, 1st Lieutenant Edward Elliott had forced landing at Flins while returning from patrol.

 

94th - 1st Lieutenants Meissner, Thorne C. Taylor and 2nd Lieutenant Allan F. Winslow destroyed two-seater in vicinity of Thiaucourt (confirmed).

 

 

16 Jun 1918

27th - Squadron flew five protection patrols for the observation units in the sector. No combats reported. Artillery action very heavy over Montsec with damage to several planes due to anti-aircraft shrapnel.

 

GROUP - Due to the German practice of flying mass formations the commands of the Group practiced formation flying in groups of from Fifteen to eighteen planes.

 

 

18 Jun 1918

GROUP - A rigid censorship was invoked. Due to the prevalence of absence without leave among certain squadrons of the Group, the following memorandum appeared: "The next soldier of this command reported absent without leave will be sent for trial by a General Courts -Martial, recommending that he be sentenced to six months hard labor and then transferred to the Infantry."

 

 

19 Jun 1918

94th - A patrol of seven planes of this squadron protecting a Spad of the French Escadrille witnessed the first American Gas Attack which was released at 3:45 PM near Libreville.

 

 

20 Jun 1918

17th - All flights were reassembled at Petit Snythe (near Dunkirk) and consolidated as one unit under 1st Lieutenant Samuel P. Eckert, as Commanding Officer, and assigned 65th British Wing, Royal Air Force. The –First night that the squadron was at the new station a German air raid had as its objective the airdrome near Petit Snythe and material and rations of the squadron were destroyed by bombs

 

GROUP - Instructions were issued that no distinguishing marks and insignia would be worn by any members of the Group.

 

 

22 Jun 1918

103rd - 1st Lieutenant Frank O'D Hunter wounded in combat near Ostend.

 

GROUP - Motion pictures of all group pilots were made at 1:30 PM.

 

At night a co-operative entertainment was put on by the 27th and 147th Aero Squadrons.

 

 

23 Jun 1918

27th - Protection patrol for 122nd Squadron encountered no enemy scouts, On return from lines Lieutenant Enos Tvfiller forced down at Liverdon and wrecked machine. Squadron celebrated first anniversary dinner at night.

 

 

24 Jun 1918

27th - A protection patrol of three Nieuports to cover 3 Spads of the 22nd French Escadrille lost First Lieutenant Robert F. Raymond in the vicinity of Chateau-Thierry due to engine trouble. An enemy bi-place observing his trouble attacked him between Pont-a-Mousson and Thiaucourt and Lieutenant Raymond shot it down out of control. The patrol returning, he then rejoined it and returned to the airdrome.

 

 

25 Jun 1918

17th - Squadron authorized to carry a white dumbbell in a black triangle as distinctive insignia,

 

27th - Squadron performed three protection patrols for the 1st Aero Squadron. Major Harold E. I-Jartney destroyed a bi-place in the vicinity of Sorry (confirmed). One protection patrol ordered -For five American bombers which failed to keep the rendezvous so squadron continued patrol and fired on enemy balloons. 1st Lieutenant John MacArthur destroyed Rumpler bi-place over Sorry (confirmed).

 

147th - One protection patrol to protect French Salmson southeast of Metz in reconnaissance flight. Due to heavy pea-soup fog the patrol split and 2nd Lieutenant Thomas J. Abernathy made a forced landing in field of high wheat near Evacuation Hospital No. 7. The Nieuport was completely destroyed and Lieutenant Abernathy received a severe shaking up. Lieutenant Robertson landed at Luneville when his fuel was exhausted and Lieutenant C. P. Porter landed at Baccarrat out of gas. Lieutenant Brotherton flew through a long anti-aircraft barrage until he struck a small river which he followed south until be sighted a small city where he attempted to make a landing. He was received by a terrific machine gun barrage and was driven off. He then headed south and remained in the air until his gas was exhausted when he was forced down behind the allied third line trenches only 15 kilometers frorr the Swiss border. Consulting a map he found the river to have been the Rhine and the city Muhlhousen. Second Lieutenant James F, Ashenden flew south following a river and landed near Solorne, Switzerland, where his plane was seized by the Swiss authorities and he was interred for the duration of the war.

 

GROUP - Instructions were issued that no walking was to be done on the airdrome, since footpaths were being worn in the turf and enemy observation being very active it would have brought on an air raid.

 

 

26 Jun 1918

27th - The squadron started to move to Touquin from Toul, advance elements being sent by motor lorry to establish the airdrome.

 

95th - Colonel Davenport Johnson relieved and transferred to Air Service Staff, Zone of Advance, Major David McK Peterson assumed command.

 

GROUP - Due to a shortage of castor oil, orders were issued prohibiting the use of castor oil in motor vehicles. Since most of the motor lorries were of French and English design, and were intended to use castor oil, the maintenance of motor transportation at once became a serious problem-.

 

 

27 Jun 1918

94th - Squadron moved from Toul to Touquin, (Melon Field) by motor lorry,

 

147th - Squadron moved from Toul to Touquin, by motor lorry.

 

 

28 Jun 1918

27th - Squadron arrived at Touquin, having flown the airplanes from Toul. The advance element already had prepared the airdrome for occupancy.

 

94th - Squadron arrived at Touquin, and prepared the airdrome for occupancy by the 94th and 95th Aero Squadrons.

 

147th - Squadron arrived at Touquin and shared airdrome with Group headquarters and 27th Aero Squadron

 

95th - Moved from Toul to Touquin, by motor lorry. Fifteen mechanics and chauffeurs under command of Lieutenant Surrner Sewall obtained lorries from the Air Depot at Colombey to be driven to Touquin.

 

360th - Captain Lewis G. McGuigan assigned as Squadron Commander. squadron proceeded to Hoboken, New Jersey, to embark under Confidential Orders 106 Eastern Department.

 

 

 

GROUP - Instructions received with reference to reporting any of tie following German Air Units if observed on this front:

 

1st Pursuit Squadron (Richtofen) believed to be on Somme Front, consisting of 4th -Pursuit Flight (Sky-blue tails), 6th Pursuit Flight (Yellow Tail), 10th Pursuit Flight (White and Blue Tails), and 11th Pursuit Flight (Black Fuselage and Tail). One other flight of the squadron (It is not known which) has tail planes painted in black and white stripes; further one or more machines of the squadron are painted completely red in imitation of Richtofen .

 

8th Pursuit Squadron (Captain Schleich) believed to be in Carrbrai Area, consisting of 23rd (Bavarian), Z5th (Bavarian) and 59th Pursuit Flights. Marking is a long "VEE" on the top plane, the apex being over the leading edge of the center section; and on the bottom surface of the lower plane a black line on either side of the fuselage running from the inner corner of the leading edge diagonally across the plane, thus representing the arms of a "VEE".

 

28th Pursuit Flight, machines painted completely black, believed to be on Somme Front.

 

46th Pursuit Flight, machines painted in Green and Yellow stripes, believed to be on Somme Front.

 

76th (Bavarian) Pursuit Flight, known to be on Somme Front, tail planes painted in Blue and White stripes.

 

77th (Bavarian) Pursuit Flight, known to be on Somme Front, White rudder and Blue Fin.

 

The Boelke StafFel (number unknown), location unknown, all machines painted a solid blue.

 

Zimmerman Staffel (number unknown), location unknown, all machines painted in Orange, Black and White stripes.

 

Number 3 Staffel, painted in Checkerboard, newly equipped with the Sieman-Schuckard planes, performance of which is unknown.

 

Loezer Staffel, known to be on this front, fuselages painted a solid yellow.

 

Number I Staffel, known to be on this front, machines painted Scarlet and Red.

 

 

29 Jun 1918

360th - Embarked on U.S.S. President Grant and moved into inner harbor.

 

GROUP - All officers walked the airdrome at Touquin to locate holes and spots where work was necessary to put airdrome in flying condition. Officers of all squadrons were billetted in a Chateau near the airdrome and enlisted men were billeted in houses in the town.

 

 

30 Jun 1918

103rd - Squadron moved to Toul under orders lZ50 S/ Department of the North and Northeast, dated 28 June.

 

360th - U.S. S. Grant moved into outer harbor, joined convoy and voyage across the Atlantic started

 

GROUP - Muster of all organizations. All organizations made patrols over sector to learn features of terrain, landmarks, etc.

 

 

I Jul 1918

94th - Patrol of seven Nieuports engaged superior German Force near Vouresches, France, about 15:45. 1st Lieutenant Harold H. Tittman seriously wounded in combat.

 

147th - Nine ship patrol encountered 12 planes of the Richtofen Circus near Chateau-Thierry, five enemy Fokkers were destroyed and officially confirmed. All American planes returned safely to the airdrome. German Communique for the day reported a combat with nine planes of an American Squadron in which Captain Udet was credited with his 34th victory and Sergeant Thorr with his 20th and two other aces added to their already large scores. Master Signal Electrician Victor E. Bertrandis honorably discharged to accept commission as Second Lieutenant in the Signal Corps.

 

 

2 Jul 1918

27tb - A patrol of nine planes engaged a patrol of nine planes of the Richtofen Circus near Verdilly, France. Two Fokkers destroyed and officially confirmed by Lieutenants MacArthurt Hoover, Schmitt, Grant, Hudson and Norton. 1st Lieutenant Edward Elliott killed in combat over Chateau-Thierry. 1st Lieutenant Walter H. Wanamaker shot down and made prisoner in German territory.

 

147th - A patrol of five planes was attacked by a flight of twelve Pfalz of the Richtofen Circus near Chateau-Thierry. In the engagement Second Lieutenant Kenneth L. Porter, Maxwell 0, Parry and Cleveland W. McDermott each destroyed one pfalz each which was unconfirmed. Lieutenants John H. Stevens, Cleveland W. McDermott, Maxwell 0. 'Parry and John O'Neill destroyed one Pfalz which was confirmed.

 

 

 

GROUP - Due to the large number of fatal accidents in other portions of the sector, it became necessary to issue instructions that no pistol or rifle practice would be engaged in other than on the limits of the rifle range. Message received from Aeronautic Headquarters Vlth French, Army: "Yesterday's attack was a complete success. The protection given by the First Pursuit Group, TJ.S. A. was very good. We are informed that one American plane fell one Kilometer west of Pavant. Pilot Wounded".

 

 

3 Jul 1918

27th - One protection patrol for Spad of 1st Aero Squadron, no combats. 1st Lieutenant Ivan A. Roberts made forced landing at Chauconin.

 

GROUP - Aeronautic information received from VIth French Army: "The triplane Fokker is disappearing little by little. The Fokker D VII (bi-plane) is reported by our pursuit pilots to be encountered frequently. It is an excellent machine, better than the 180 horsepower Spad, equal to the 220 horsepower Spad in horizontal speed, and is apparently able to climb faster, is extremely maneuverable and able to continue acrobacy at high altitudes of 5000 to 5500 meters".

 

 

4 Jul 1918

17th - The Squadron celebrated the day by 1-iolding a field meet in the morning, and the squadron baseball team took on the 148th Aero Squadron in the afternoon. In the evening the squadrons combined to hold a dinner and entertainment,

 

27th - No patrols due to inclement weather. Exhibition flight by Lieutenants Hudson and Vasconcelles provided entertainment in the afternoon.

 

94th & 95th Aero Squadrons held a joint dinner and entertainment in the evening.

 

103rd - Arrived Toul, France and assigned to 2nd Pursuit Group, 1st Pursuit Wing, lst Army, A. E. F

 

 

5 Jul 1918

27th - One protection patrol of ten planes for Spad of 91st Aero Squadron, no combats.

 

94th - 1st Spad airplane assigned to any organization of the 1st Pursuit Group piloted from Paris, France, by 1st Lieutenant Edward V. Rickenbacker, and assigned to squadron,

 

95th – 1st Lieutenants John Mitchell and Waldo Heinrichs destroyed enemy airplane over Marne sector. 1st Lieutenant Sidney J. Thompson killed in combat over Marne.

 

147th - Four Nieuports led by Second Lieutenant Ralph A. O'Neill engaged 8 pfalz of the Richtofen Circus near Chateau Thierry 9:30. Second Lieutenant O'Neill engaged the leader and shot him down in flames and then destroyed one other Pfalz (both confirmed) ' First Lieutenant Joseph C. Raible, Jr. , destroyed one (confirmed) and 1st Lieutenant Louis C. Simons destroyed one in flames (unconfirmed).

 

 

6 Jul 1918

27th - Squadron Trade two protection patrols for reconnaissance planes, no combats. 1st Lieutenant Richard C. Martin had forced landing at Cernaux.

 

 

7 Jul 1918

27th - 1st Lieutenant LeRoy J. Prinz assigned. Squadron performed two eleven plane protection patrols for 1st Aero Squadron, no combats.

 

94th - lst Lieutenant Cates destroyed Rumpler bi-place near Bennes (confirmed). lst Lieutenant Hamilton Coolidge shot down enemy airplane in fiames near Bennes (confirmed). 1st Lieutenant William C. Chalmers shot down, wounded and taken prisoner near Chateau-Thierry 8-30.

 

95th - Patrol of five Nieuports attacked a formation of five Fokkers near Rocourt. 1st Lieutenants Carlyle Rhodes and Stewart McKeown shot down and taken prisoner in combat. 1st Lieutenant Sumner Sewall destroyed Fokker near ChateauThierry (confirmed).

 

 

8 Jul 1918

27th - Squadron moved from Touquin to Saints to establish a new airdrome.

 

94th - Patrol of three planes, lst Lieutenant Rickenbacker, Green and Loornis, destroyed enemy bi-place near ChateauThierry (unconfirmed).

 

147th - Patrol of seven planes chased 10 enemy scouts 20 kilometers behind their lines. The German flight refused to engage in combat and the flight returned to the airdrome when the gas became low. Second Lieutenant Maxwell 0. Parry lost formation and was killed in combat near Dorm-ans.

 

 

 

GROUP - General inspection by Inspector General. Group received orders to prepare to move at 9:30 9th July.

 

 

9 Jul 1918

27th - In their first patrol from the new airdrome at Saints, a twelve plane flight had no combats.

 

94th - Squadron moved nearer the lines to airdrome at Saints. 95th - Squadron moved nearer the lines to airdrome at Saints.

 

147th - Squadron moved to Saints. 2nd Lieutenant Romer Shawhan transferred to Group Headquarters for duty as Operations Officer.

 

GROUP - Captain Philip J. Roosevelt transferred to Air Service, First Brigade. Group assigned temporarily to VIth French Army.

 

 

10 Jul 1918

Air Park No. I - Established as Mobile Park No. 1, Six Kilometers West of Coulorriers.

 

GROUP – Photographic Department organized as portion of Group Headquarters,. As a result of the Inspector General's Inspection of 8 July, the following report was received: "The carrying of canes is prohibited. Riding crops, whips and kindred ornaments should be restricted to officers actually on mounted duty. Much good boot leather is being damaged by the constant beating given to it by officers who seldom see a mount." The carrying of riding crops, whips, canes, etc. , was promptly prohibited by officers of the Group.

 

 

11 Jul 1918

17th - 1st Lieutenant Bradley C. Lawton injured in crash at Adinkerque.

 

103rd - 1st Lieutenant Leroy J. Prinz transferred from 27th Aero Squadron. First Lieutenant Edgar G. Tobin, George B. Jones, destroyed enemy bi-place fighter near Thiaucourt (confirmed).

 

 

12 Jul 1918

27tb - One protection patrol of thirteen planes to protect Salmson Photo plane of First Aero Squadron. I st Lieutenant Ivan A. Roberts had forced landing at Le-Ferte and 1st Lieutenant Frederick 1. Ordway was lost from formation, forced down and did not return until 19:30.

 

95th - 1st Lieutenant Quentin T. Roosevelt destroyed Fokker near Chateau-Thierry (confirmed).

 

360th - Arrived Brest, France, late in afternoon. Squadron had had only one submarine scare during entire trip.

 

GROUP- Work commenced on construction of Adrian Barracks to house units of the Group who were billeted in barns, houses, sheds, etc. , around the airdrome.

 

 

13 Jul 1918

360th - The squadron was lightered off the Grant and marched to Pontanezen 13arracks Rest Camp.

 

GROUP - General Liggett visited the Group to observe the state of the training of the units.

 

 

14 Jul 1918

95th - 1st Lieutenant Quentin T. Roosevelt shot down in flames near Chateau-Thierry by Sergeant Thorr of the Richtofen Circus -

 

360th - Entrained at Brest, France, for St. Maizent. France,

 

GROUP - All calibre .30 Armor Piercing ammunition was recalled by the depots, All officers notified that the billets they were occupying were paid by the Government and that each officer would individually pay for services rendered but would not attempt to make use of the Landlady's wardrobe, which she was authorized to withhold.

 

 

15 Jul 1918

17th - The Squadron performed it's first offense patrol across the lines as a unit. All previous patrols made by individuals of the unit had been made as separate pilots accompanying other units in order to gain experience.

 

27th - The Squadron was placed under quarantine for scabies. One nine plane protection patrol for photographic ship of 1st Observation Group reported no combats. Protective patrol of eleven planes for bombing mission reported no combats. During a seventeen plane offensive patrol, Second Lieutenant John MacArthur destroyed an enemy scout near ChateauThierry (unconfirmed).

 

147th - Patrol of ten planes engaged a superior German flight and Second Lieutenant Thomas J. Abernathy brought down one Fokker (unconfirmed) and Second Lieutenant Robertson brought down Fokker in vicinity of Vourbin (unconfirmed). In the engagement Lieutenant Abernathy and Robertson were cut off from the remainder of the flight and were engaged by five Fokkers which continued to combat them even after passing well within the allied lines. Both planes were badly shot up by machine gun fire when the German flight was driven off by the approach of a flight of Spads. Both machines made crash landings behind the allied lines and the pilots escaped injury.

 

 

16 Jul 1918

27th - One Sopwith Camel was assigned as a replacement. The Squadron still held out hopes of receiving the promised S pads. Patrol of thirteen planes from 13:30 to 15:30 had four combats during which First Lieutenant Malcolm R. Gunn was killed in action near Vourbin and First Lieutenant Jerry C. Vasconcelles destroyed a Rumpler bi-place near Domans (confirmed). In returning from the patrol lst Lieutenant 7enos R. Miller destroyed enemy balloon south of Couipoil (confirmed) and Lieutenants Schmidt and Hoover were forced to land at Rebais. Second Lieutenant Kenneth S. Clapp destroyed Rumpler near Vourbin (unconfirmed). The formation was heavily fired on by incendiary balls tied together. Patrol of twelve planes from 17:30 to 19:Z5 engaged in three combats during which Second Lieutenant Kenneth Clapp destroyed a Rumpler south of Mezy (confirmed) and First Lieutenant Robert E. Raymond was forced down and taken prisoner. First Lieutenant Zenos R. Miller destroyed Balloon south of LeChannel (confirmed) on return flight. 1st Lieutenant Leo H. Dawson transferred from 94th Aero Squad-ron and assigned.

 

95th - First Lieutenants Grover C. Vann and Edward P. Curtiss each destroyed a Fokker in the vicinity of ChateauThierry while on voluntary patrol (confirmed).

 

103rd - While leading a patrol of three planes 1st Lieutenant Edgar G. Tobin attacked an enemy patrol of six planes near Vieville-en-l-laye and shot down three planes, one of which was confirmed.

 

147th - While on patrol in the vicinity of Epieds, France, a patrol of five Nieuports was attacked by a German formation of nine Fokker scouts. 1st Lieutenants Arthur H. Jones, Simonds and Second Lieutenant Charles P. Porter destroyed one Fokker which was confirmed, and Second Lieutenant John O'Neill destroyed a Fokker over Chappel (unconfirmed). First Lieutenant Arthur H. Jones awarded Distinguished Service Cross. On a patrol later in the day, three Nieuports were engaged by nine Fokkers near Toul and First Lieutenant 'Daniel W. Gassard was killed in combat.

 

360th - Arrived St. Maxient, France 10:00 PN4 and assigned Concalaux Barracks. 1st Lieutenant Wheeler E. Townley assumed command. The records of the squadron which had been left behind at Brest could not be found and incidentally, ,were never found.

 

GROUP - Word was received that the letter of the Commanding Officer of the Group listing each officer pilot's name and claim for additional pay for regular and frequent flights had been disapproved and that each officer would have to submit an individual claims for flying pay. This action operated to deprive all pilot officers of their flying pay up to the tirne of the submission of individual letters.

 

 

17 Jul 1918

27th - One patrol of fourteen planes during which Second Lieutenant John MacArthur destroyed a rumpler bi-place one kilometer west of Demans (unconfirmed) and 1st Lieutenant Ivan A. Roberts destroyed a Rumpler bi-place north of Domans (confirmed).

 

 

18 Jul 1918

27th - During a ten plane protection patrol First Lieutenants Schmidt and Jason S. Hunt had forced landings at Chapellsur-Sezy and Noirlius respectively resulting in the loss of two machines, although the pilots were uninjured.

 

GROUP - First Lieutenant Frederick 1. Ordway transferred from 27th Aero Squadron as Supply Officer. Instructions received from Aeronautic Headquarters, VIth French Army, to be especially watchful for French Spads with French Markings and Brequets with French and Am rican Markings which have been firing on troops and balloons during the past few davs.

 

95th - During a voluntary patrol First Lieutenant Edward Buford reported the destruction of an Albatross bi-place near Sezy (unconfirmed).

 

 

19 Jul 1918

27th - Protection patrol of ten planes encountered an enemy flight of seven Fokkers and bi-place machines near Chateau-Thierry. In the engagement First Lieutenant Leo 1-3. Dawson destroyed a bi-place near Oulihy (confirmed) and Lieutenant R. E. Hill destroyed a bi-place near Chateau-Thierry (confirmed). On the return from this mission the flight encountered another enemy flight during which engagement First Lieutenant Enos R. Miller destroyed a Fokker between St. Remy and Oulchy (unconfirmed) and Lieutenant Dawson destroyed a Fokker (unconfirmed). Second Lieutenant John MacArthur destroyed a mono-place near Norey (confirmed) and First Lieutenant Ralph Schmitt was severely wounded, and shot down behind our lines and admitted to Advance Hospital #7 at Ouichy-le-Ville.

 

95th - First Lieutenant Lawrence Richards slightly wounded in combat with Fokker over Chateau-Thierry.

 

147th - A patrol of nine ships attacked the enemy balloon positions and destroyed one balloon near Chappell (unconfirmed).

 

 

20 Jul 1918

27th - During a patrol of five planes, First Lieutenants Leo H. Dawson and Ivan A. Roberts, destroyed an albatross near Soissons (unconfirmed) and Second Lieutenant John MacArthur destroyed a Fokker near Oulchy (unconfirmed). Second Lieutenant John MacArthur severely wounded and shot down in German Territory. First Lieutenant Frederick W. Norton severely wounded, shot down in allied territory and entered French Hospital, First Lieutenant Enoz Ramsey Miller shot down in German territory and taken prisoner.

 

17th - While on escort duty for the 211th Squadron, R.A.F. First Lieutenant R. D. Williams destroyed one Fokker of a flight of five which attacked the bombing unit, near Ostend 9:45. (confirmed by 2nd Section 6th D. A. Belgian Army, thru American Mission). One other airplane of this formation, which was encountered at 21, 000 feet was driven down out of control and confirmed. First Lieutenant George F. Glenn killed in combat near Ostend, Belgium 9:50. Thus the squadron won its first victory and suffered its first combat casualty on the same patrol.

 

147th - Patrol of six planes escorted Salmson from 1st Aero Squadron (observation) over lines. After obtaining the in-Formation desired and on the return flight, the Salmson was forced down by engine trouble. Second Lieutenant John H. Stevens landed beside the disabled Salmson and obtain the photographs and memorandums made by the observer and took off again in the shell-pocked field, proceeding to 1st Aero Squadron field and delivered the information to the Commanding Officer without further delay. This action on the part of Lieutenant Stevens avoided a costly delay and permitted the operation for which the reconnaissance flight was made, namely, an advance by an American regiment, to proceed without interruption. A letter received later from General William Mitchell, commended Lieutenant Stevens for this action.

 

GROUP - Hotel Du Saints Du Progress in Saints declared off limits for members of the Group following several fights in which personnel of the Group were badly manhandled by other enlisted men and officers. Commendation received from VIth French Arrry reads, "Le Commandant Gerard VIth Armee requests that his compliments and thanks be extended Major Atkinson and his pilots for the very excellent performance of the First Pursuit Group during the last attack."

 

In the counter-offensive attack of the Second Battle of the Marne, in which my Division, the 26th, participated from the 18th to the 25th of July and gained from 18 to

 

 

21 Jul 1918

GROUP - All available airplanes of the Group were placed in the air on offensive patrols but no combats were reported.

 

 

22 Jul 1918

94th - During offensive patrol 1st Lieutenant William W. Palmer was slightly wounded in combat near Clinchy-la-Chateau 16:55 and First Lieutenant Charles Chambers destroyed Fokker near Chateau-Thierry (unconfirmed).

 

GROUP - A protest was made by the Service of Supply that the 1st Pursuit Group organizations were consuming too much wood. Orders received from Aeronautic Headquarters that all pilots’ carrying incendiary ammunition would also carry out orders to the effect that they were to destroy balloons. Information was received that members of the Group were disseminating information relative to the Group and it’s movements to outsiders.

 

 

23 Jul 1918

27th - First Lieutenant Fredrich W. Norton died of wounds received in combat 20 July.

 

94th - First Lieutenant Alexander B. Bruce assigned.

 

95th - First Lieutenants Walter L. Avery, Lansing C. Holden and Granville Woodward assigned.

 

147th - Major George H. Ponnell relieved of command and transferred to St. Jean De Mont to re-organize the American School of’ Aerial Gunnery. First Lieutenant John A. Hambleton transferred from 95th Aero Squadron and assumed command. First Lieutenant James P. Heron, Walter P. Mather and Second Lieutenant George

 

360th - Squadron entrained 13:30 for Colombey-les-Belles, leaving thirty-five enlisted men and one officer in quarantine for mumps at St. Maxient.

 

 

24 Jul 1918

27th - Patrol sixteen planes reported no combats. First Lieutenant Raymond Martin had forced landing at Dove resulting in loss of airplane. Second Lieutenant Kenneth Clapp had forced landing at Ferte-Caucher.

 

147th - Patrol of five planes led by Second Lieutenant Charles P. Porter and protecting Spad Observation plane of First Aero Squadron engaged twelve Fokkers. Lieutenants Jones, C. P. Porter, Abernathy, Healy and O’Neill destroyed four Fokkers, two of which were confirmed. While on voluntary patrol in the vicinity of Chateau-Thierry Second Lieutenant Will W. White destroyed two Albatross (confirmed).

 

 

25 Jul 1918

27th - First Lieutenants Harry H. Harkins, Ernest Hewitt, Ruliff Nevius, Joseph F. Wehner, Arthur F. Whiton and Second Lieutenant Frank Luke, Jr., assigned, lst Lieutenant William J. Hoover forced to land at Dotie, resulting in damage to machine.

 

94th - First Lieutenant John Loy Malony assigned.

 

95th - First Lieutenant Norman S. Archibald and Second Lieutenants George B. Pailey and Robert Koff assigned.

 

1st Lieutenant Thomas F. Butz transferred from 27th Aero Squadron. Captain Edward Buford transferred to 1st Aero Depot, Colombey-les-Belles. First Lieutenant Robert W. Donaldson transferred to 27th Aero Squadron. While on protection patrol Lieutenants Knowles, Gill, Puryear, Heinriclis and Sewall destroyed Fokker near Oulchy (confirmed) and 1St Lieutenant Walter Avery shot down enemy Fokker on our side of lines, being forced down himself due to damage to machine from machine gun fire of enemy plane. On landing Lieutenant Avery discovered his prisoner was a German Ace with sixteen victories to his credit. 1St Lieutenant Knowles destroyed Fokker near Chateau-Thierry (confirmed).

 

147th - First Lieutenant James A. Meissner transferred from 95th Aero Squadron and assumed command, relieved 1st Lieutenant John A. Hambleton.

 

GROUP - Instructions were issued to all pilots and mechanics to stop eating the emergency rations provided with the airplanes,

 

 

26 Jul 1918

27th - First Lieutenant R. Polk transferred to 1st Air Depot

 

95th - First Lieutenant, Cover C. Vann killed in combat near Chateau-Thierry and 1St Lieutenant George Puryear shot down and taken prisoner. (Lieutenant Puryear later escaped from the German Detention Camp and made his way thru the lines to his organization).

 

147th - Patrol of thirteen planes shot up troops and transport trains on road near Fere-en-Tardenois when they could not find German patrol to engage in combat.

 

 

27 Jul 1918

360th- Arrived 1St Air Depot, Colombey-les-Belles 10:00. 50 Enlisted men under command, Second Lieutenant George N. Miller, Jr., placed on detached service with Third Pursuit Group at Vaucoulers, France.

 

 

28 Jul 1918

27th - Two patrols of eighteen and twenty airplanes encountered no enemy planes. Lieutenant Polk forced to land at Chateau-Thierry due to burned out bearing.

 

94th - 1st Lieutenant Donald G. Herring, assigned.1st Lieutenant Beane transferred to Group headquarters. 1st Lieutenant Barthouse transferred to 103rd Aero Squadron.

 

95th - First Lieutenant Charles H. Wooley transferred to Second Pursuit Group.

 

GROUP - Spads arrived for assignment to Group but were not placed in use due to instructions from Chief of Air Service, 1st Army, to concentrate on Nieuports.

 

 

29 Jul 1918

103rd - Major William Thaw transferred to Third Pursuit Group at Vaucokileurs as Commanding Officer. Captain Robert I. Rockwell assigned command.

 

 

30 Jul 1918

27th - Patrol of twenty planes to protect photographic ship of Ninety-first Aero Squadron. First Lieutenant Harry Harkins crashed on aerodrome at Saints and seriously injured, taken to Evacuation Hospital ‘No. 7. Patrol report of Lieutenant Dawson for the day, "While leading patrol observed five allied bombers coming out of Germany with nine Fokkers attacking them at about 9:10, at an altitude of about 3, 000 meters. When the bombers reached the lines the Fokkers turned back and began maneuvering at a high altitude leaving long white trails of smoke in their wake, seemingly able to shut the trail off at will. Saw one make the figure 8" and the letter " D" They returned in formation into Germany. "

 

94th - First Lieutenant Seth Cook destroyed Fokker near Ouchy-le-Chateau. Second Lieutenant Alan F. Winslow shot down, wounded and taken prisoner during combat with formation of Fokkers near Ouchy-le-Chateau 20:15. First Lieutenant Cates destroyed Fokker near Ouchy-Le-Chateau (unconfirmed).

 

95th - First Lieutenant Paul N. Montague taken prisoner after combat near Chateau-Thierry 20:10.

 

147th - Second Lieutenant John H. Stevens killed in action near Chateau-Thierry 21:00.

 

 

1 Aug 1918

17th - Second Lieutenant R. M. Todd destroyed Triplane 9:00 P.M. near Provin (confirmed by Royal Air Force Communiqué No. 18). While on offensive patrol Lieutenants Gracier, M. K. Spidle, W.H. Sherman met one Pfalz near Hollebeke 9:35. Lt. Gracie fired on a triplane that immediately fell into a spin. Lt. Spidle fired on biplane that immediately spun out of the melee and Lt. Shearman fired on Pfalz which wavered and dove for the ground. None of these victories were ever confirmed.

 

27th - A protection patrol of eighteen planes for two Salmson photographic ships was attacked by eight Fokkers of the Richtofen Circus. In the engagement Lt. Huson destroyed two Fokkers near Saponay (confirmed) and Lts. Hudson and Roberts destroyed on Fokker near Fere-en-Tardenois (confirmed). Lt. Vasoncelles destroyed a Fokker near Fere-en-Tardenois (confirmed). Lt. Ruliff Nevius destroyed a Fokker near Fere-en-Tardenois First Lt. Oliver T Beauchamp, Charles B. Sands and Jason S. Hunt were killed in combat during this engagement and First Lts. Richard C. Martin, Clifford A. McElvain and Arthur L. Whiton were shot down and taken prisoners. 1st Lt. Frederick I. Ordway was attached to the squadron for flying duty during the temporary shortage of qualified flight commanders.

 

94th - First Lieutenants Edward V. Rickenbacker, Robert Z. Cates destroyed on Fokker near Pois-de-Bois (confirmed). First Lieutenant Loomis crashed between the lines and made a dash for the allied side of the lines. Before he reached the lines both sides had abandoned their trenches and exposed themselves to the first of the others. The Germans attempted to cut him off and the American troops attempted to cover his rush.

 

103rd - First Lieutenant Edgar Tobin destroyed a Fokker at Fort Prinz (confirmed).

 

147th - -An enemy Rumpler reported by Second Lieutenant William E. Brotherton in company with Lieutenant Will White took off and climbed to attack rumpler. A flight of six Fokkers hidden in the sun in turn attacked the two planes of the 147th which were attacking the Rumpler. A biplace Fokker served as decoy for this flight of Fokkers and after being forced to relinquish the attack on the Rumpler Lieutenant Brotherton dove through the flight of Fokkers and destroyed the Biplace Fokker decoy plane, which crashed near Fere-en-Tardenois (confirmed).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GROUP - The following commendation ‘was received:

 

HEADQUARTERS, 26th DIVISION AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES July 31st, 1918.

 

FROM:            Commanding General.

 

TO:      Commanding Officer, 1St Pursuit Group, A. E. F.

 

 

 

1. In the counteroffensive attack of the Sector Battle of the Marne, in which my Division, the 26th,, participated from the 18th to the 25th of July and gained from 18 to 20 Kilometers and in which the 12th Observation Squadron, which was attached to my division, did such good work, your Group, the First, protected them and aided the division, and your personnel showed such interest and Gallantry that I take this occasion to express on behalf of the Division, to you and your command, both commissioned and enlisted, my thanks and congratulations.

 

C. R. EDWARDS,

 

Major - General.

 

 

2 Aug 1918

GROUP - No flying due to inclement weather. The Spads which had been placed in storage while the Group continued to use the Nieuport Types XXVI’L and XXVTII were placed in use and the remaining Nieuports were ferried to Issoudun. A telegram received from Headquarters of the VIth French Army,, read "THE COMMANDANT OF THE VI ARMEE AERONAUTIQUE ADDRESSES HIS THANKS AND HIS CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FIRST PURSUIT GROU P FOR THE EFFTCIENCY OF THE PROTECTION GIVEN ABOUT 11 H ON THE PHOTO GRAPHIC MISSION 0F THE SECOND C.A. HE ASKS THE COMMANDER OF THE FIRST PURSUIT GROUP TO LET HIM KNOW IF ALL PLANES WHICH WERE IN THE COMBAT IN THE REGION OF FERE-EN-TARDENOIS HAVE RETURNED signed GERARD".

 

 

3 Aug 1918

17th- While on an offensive patrol south of Roulers about 12, 000 Feet and at about 8:30 First Lieutenant F., Armstrong shot down a Fokker Triplane out of control and First Lieutenant Merton L. Campbell shot a Fokker biplane down out of control. (Confirmed by Royal Air Force: Communiqué No. 18, 8 August).

 

360th - The thirty-five men and one officer left in quarantine at St. Maxient joined the squadron at Colombey-les -Belles.

 

 

4 Aug 1918

17th - First Lieutenant Marray K. Spindle -Killed in combat with flight of Fokkers near Armentiers.

 

94th - First Lieutenant John Wentworth transferred to 49th Aero Squadron.

 

GROUP - Coincy airdrome established as Advanced Air Field to permit flights to refuel closer to the lines and allow for longer patrols.

 

 

5 Aug 1918

27th - First Lieutenant Lawrence N. Polk transferred, to 2nd Air Depot at Orly.

 

 

6 Aug 1918

218th Aero Squadron assigned 1St Pursuit Group as Group Supply Squadron.

 

 

7 Aug 1918

17th - While on offensive patrol at 10:30 near Armenders Lieutenants Lloyd A. Hamilton, Ralph Snoke, Merton E. Campbell and R. M. Todd dived on a flight of five Fokkers from 16, 000 feet. Lieutenant Hamilton destroyed one bi-plane, Lieutenant Merton L. Campbell destroyed two biplanes and Lieutenant Snoke fired on one which went down in a steep spiral but did not crash. Lieutenant Todd, who had remained above to keep any enemy aircraft out of the melee witnessed the crash of two of the enemy planes, (Three planes confirmed by Royal Air Force Communiqué No. 19, 7 August).

 

27th - The last message of First Lieutenant Frederick W. Norton before he died was "MORE POWER TO YOU". By Memorandum 268, Headquarters Twenty-seventh Aero Squadron, these, words were adopted as the squadron motto.

 

103rd - The Squadron was relieved from assignment to the Second Pursuit Group and reassigned the Third Pursuit Group, moving to Vaucouleurs.

 

 

8 Aug 1918

17th - While covering a bombing raid between Seebrugge and Knocke the flight while flying at 17, 000 feet was attacked about 9:30 by six Fokkers. The Fokkers came down and were driven on down. Two more Fokkers came down and Lieutenant Armstrong fired point-blank on one and something exploded in the Fokker and he dived toward Het Soute with smoke streaming out. Armstrong then engaged another - and followed him down but the Fokker leveled out over the sea and streaked for the German side of the lines (none of the above combats was confirmed).

 

94th- A patrol of eight Spads protecting a Photographic machine was attacked by three Fokkers of the Richtofen Staffel which dove thru the Spad formation in an attempt to get the photo machine. Lieutenant Rickenbacker shot down one Fokker and Lieutenant Chambers shot down the other. The third Fokker was driven off and returned to the German lines. (All victories unconfirmed). The squadron was completely equipped with Spads at the close of the day,

 

147th The wrecked machine of Lieutenant .Corn H. Stevens, killed in action on July 31st, was found between Chateau-Thierry and Domans by a ground party of the squadron sent to verify certain unconfirmed victories claimed by the squadron.

 

 

9 Aug 1918

17th - While on offensive patrol at 7, 000 feet south of Arrnentiers, Lieutenant R. D. Williams became separated from the formation about 8:45 when the squadron had been split in a fight near Lille. While trying to overtake the squadron Lieutenant Williams was cut off by three scouts of a new type with no overhang, and tails much like camels, short flat noses and rotary motors, guns fixed and firing forward, speed about the same as a Camel but performance not quite so good. Lieutenant Williams attacked the leader and was in turn attacked by the remaining two. The leader fell into a steep spiral but was not seen to crash. During the melee the pressure tank of Lieutenant William’s plane was pierced and he was forced to withdraw. Lieutenant Theose Tillinghast saw the Camel disappear into the clouds followed by the enemy scouts and also saw one enemy machine fall but did not see it crash. (The engagement was unconfirmed).

 

 

 

27th - Following an offensive patrol First Lieutenants Dawson and Donaldcion had forced landings at LaFerte and Lieutenant Hewitt was forced to land at Le Ferte Gauche.

 

147th - During patrol) 1st lieutenant Simonds crashed near Chateau-Thierry and admitted to hospital at that place. Injuries not serious,

 

 

10 Aug 1918

94th - First Lieutenant Edward V. Rickenbacker destroyed Fokker near Chateau-Thierry (confirmed).

 

95th - While on protection patrol for French Bi-place Observation plane, the patrol was attacked by a five out of Six enemy scouts. lst Lieutenant Harold R. Buckley destroyed one Fokker and the enemy flight was dispersed. First Lieutenant Irby R. Curry killed in combat over Perles, France. First Lieutenant Clarence S. Gill wounded in action near Verdun in combat with flight of Fokkers. lst lieut. William M. Russell killed in action.,-

 

103rd - First Lieutenants Edgar Tobin, George Furlow, and W. V. Todd destroyed one enemy scout at Flirey (confirmed).

 

 

12 Aug 1918

17th - While near Heyst on co-operation city with bombardment unit, A formation Fokkers dived on the rear bomber Lieutenant W. Shearman fired a burst into the Fokker Bi-plane camouflaged with broad irregular blotches of black and (cream white and followed on tail of Fokker firing about fifty -rounds. Enemy went into a dive revolving about his longitudinal axis and disappeared into ground haze (Unconfirmed). 1st Lieutenant Ralph D. Gracie killed in combat near Heyst.

 

 

13 Aug 1918

17th - At about 5:00 AM, together with the 210th and 213th squadrons of the Fifth Group, Royal Air Force, the squadron (consisting of twelve planes, dived to within 200 feet of the ground at Varsseniere Airdrome, used by pilots of the German Staffels opposing the 65th British Wing, and released bombs on the airdrome, then proceeded to shoot at the gars and 1-iuts on the airdrome, bombing and machine gunned,-,,-t chateau on the northeast corner of the airdrome which was raised by the pilots stationed at Varssenaere. The following damage was observed to be caused by this combined operation, a dump of petrol and oil was set on fire, ‘which in turn set afire an ammunition dump; Six Fokker bi-planes were set on fire on the ground and two others destroyed by direct hits from bombs; one large Gotha Hangar was set on fire and another Half destroyed by bombing A living hut was set on fire and several hangars were seen to be smoldering as

 

the .result of phosphorus bombs having fallen upon them. In spite of most of the machines taking part in the attack being hit at one time or another, all returned safely to the airdrome, favorable targets being attacked on the return. The 210th and 213th Squadrons attacked and then sat overhead for protection while the 17th put on the show and performed the acrobatics. Later it was revealed that 14 German aircraft had been destroyed in this action. One of the 210th Squadron pilots on retiring from the mission reported having seen Lieutenant Todd chase a flying officer out of his machine and around a hangar then flying around to the other side, cut him off and shoot him down. The damage done could never be accurately determined reports came in from Belgium and the British Army Intelligence when the British reacted the vicinity of Bruges, that over one Hundred and twenty soldier mechanics and thirty officers and non-commissioned officer pilots had been killed and about four anti-aircraft artillery units, protecting Varsennaere, completely wiped out in the raid. This raid may well be considered as being the forerunner of modern attack aviation tactics inasmuch as that it showed the results which could be obtained by a coordinated well planned attack. During the raid Lieutenant L. J. Desson’s airplane was severely hit by machine gun fire and the gravity tank pierced. Lieutenant Desson was forced to put one finger in the hole in the gravity tank and use the other hand to operate the wobble pump, remarking on arrival, "Well, I pumped her all the way home".14 airplanes confirmed to credit of squadron by Royal Air Force Intelligence Communiqué, October 20th).

 

 

14 Aug 1918

27th - First Lieutenant Leo H. Dawson crashed in landing, on airdrome following patrol

 

17th- While on co-operation patrol with bombers near Brugges at 11:25 the squadron attacked by a Fokker formation at about 14, 000 feet. Lieutenant Merton Campbell fired fifty rounds into one at a range of about fifty feet and the Fokker went over on its back and disappeared. Lieutenant George .D. Wicks fired seventy-five rounds into a Fokker at a range of about Fifty feet Bond tire, enemy aircraft passed over his head and \without attempting to pull up, crashed into the Camel Machine behind Lieutenant Wicks, ‘which was flown by lieutenant Irwin E. Case, The tail of the Camel was smashed and tire cover leaving of the enemy plane torn off. Both machines went down flopping about Hand crashed, Lieutenant Case being killed in the crash. Lieutenant William H. Shearman killed in combat. Two Fokker bi-planes confirmed by Royal Air Force Communiqué. No. 20, 14 August,

 

 

15 Aug 1918

27th While leading a patrol of five planes as protection for Reconnaissance planes on mission of vital importance to the VIth French Army:, Major Harold E. Hartney continued to the patrol regardless of the number of German Airplanes which continued to make sorties against the patrol,, permitting the patrol to complete it’s mission.

 

 

 

147th - All Nieuports were replaced by Spads and the remaining Nieuports were ferried to Colombey-les-Belles to equip new pursuit units being sent forward.

 

17th - While on cooperation mission with bombers, 2llth Squadron, Royal Air Force,, near Dismude, Belgium LL 4:30 Lieutenant Todd lost leader of formation who had dived on enemy airplane. Todd tagged on to Bentley, Camel "E" from 2lOth Squadron and while at 12, 000 feet a Fokker opened fire on them at a range of fifty yards taking, them by surprise. Bentley Campel turned and got in front shot while Todd filed a continuous burst after enemy stalled trying to turn in front of Camel of 2lOth Squadron. He dove 3, 000 feet after Fokker firing continuously Until enemy disappeared beneath him in ground haze and fog. (Unconfirmed).

 

GROUP - Commendation received from the Commander in Chief.

 

GENERAL HEADQUARTERS ‘

 

AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

 

14790 A 182 (DF) France, 14 August, 1918.

 

FROM: The Commander in Chief, A. E. F.

 

T O: Chief of Air Service, A. E. F.

 

SUBJECT: Commendation,

 

1.         The Commander in Chief has learned with great satisfaction of the excellent work of the First Pursuit Air Service, and-desires to commend it especially for its praise worthy record. The handicaps under which this initial pursuit unit of the American Expeditionary Forces has been organized and begun the discharge of its duty are well known and recognized. With fine spirit and determination it has overcome obstacles and already achieved an enviable record. The Commander and the personnel are congratulated for their effective and daring work.

By Direction:

LEROY ETTTNC,

Deputy Chief Staff

 

 

16 Aug 1918

27th - One protection patrol of eleven planes, First Lieutenant Ruliff Nevius killed in crash at take-off 17:15. Second Lieutenant Frank Luke Jr. destroyed enemy Fokker near ‘3oissons (unconfirmed). Second Lieutenant Nathan J. Lustig, Ordnance Department, assigned.

 

 

17 Aug 1918

27th - For making an unauthorized flight over the lines without the protection of a formation, Second Lieutenant Frank T. Luke, Jr. , was grounded for a period of three days during which time he was to act as airdrome officer between the hours of 4:00 to 20:00 continuously.-

 

94th - First Lieutenant Edward Loon is transferred to 103rd Aero Squadron, First Lieutenant Glenn Alexander Transferred to Group Headquarters as Group Supply Officer. First Lieutenant Walter H. Parker assigned. First Lieutenant Walter M. Smythie 2nd Alexander B. Brice shot down by patrol of Fokkers near Fismes 11:15.

 

 

18 Aug 1918

17th - Squadron moved to Auxi-le-Chateau with 65th Royal Air Force, departing 11:00,

 

 

19 Aug 1918

17th - Arrived Auxi-le-Chateau at dawn, made first patrol over new airdrome 7:40.

 

27th - Grave of 1st Lieutenant Oliver T. Beauchanip, killed in action on August 1st, discovered by advancing troops. Pvt  Corinto Angelini seriously injured in airplane accident at Coulomiers

 

 

20 Aug 1918

360th - Designation changed to 2nd Park Company.

 

GROUP - Strict restrictions placed on mailing of picture post cards in order not to disclose whereabouts of First Pursuit Group.

 

 

21 Aug 1918

17th - A flight of four Camels protecting (7 RE-S’s of No. 6 Squadron, Royal Air Force, were attacked by a flight of nine Fokkers between 12:50 and 13:00 near Cambrai at about 12, 000 feet. Lieutenant Lloyd Hamilton opened fire on one and followed down to about 4, 000 feet when Fokker began to smoke. Lieutenant Todd saw this Fokker crash. Lieutenant Campbell fired a long burst into a Fokker without apparent result, one Fokker biplane confirmed by RAF Communique, August 21st). At 18:45 at 2, 000 feet near Baupatime Lieutenants Lloyd Hamilton and R. M. Todd dove on kite balloon and saw balloon burn as observer jumped (confirmed by R.A.F. Communique 21, August 2lst).

 

27th- First Lieutenant ALfred A. Grant, originally assigned the 27th Squadron is, a flying cadet at Kelly Field, Texas, while undergoing training, assumed command of Squadron, as Major Hartney was transferred to Group Headquarters.

 

GROUP - Major B. M. Atkinson, relieved of command of First Pursuit Group, transferred to and assumed command of the First Pursuit Wing, 1st Army, A. E. F. Major Harold E. Hartney transferred to Group Headquarters from 27th Aero Squadron and assumed command.

 

 

22 Aug 1918

17th - First Lieutenants William D. Tipton and R. D. Williams while on offensive patrol with a six plane formation at 9:50 dove on kite balloon and destroyed same (confirmed by RAF Communique 21, August 22nd. At 10:00 Lieutenant R.M. Todd destroyed Fokker biplace which with four others had attacked the formation (confirmed by blotter C. 0. 13th Wing, Royal Air Force AF 54. October 12). Lieutenant George T. Wise fired point blank at Fokker getting in a good burst. Enemy airplane pulled up into a stall and spun but: the crash was not observed in the general melee (unconfiirmed).

 

27th - First Lieutenant Joseph Wehner had forced landing at Montreail-aux-Lions damaging airplane.

 

 

23 Aug 1918

17th - Lieutenants W. D. Tipton, R. D. Williams, F. A. Dixon, G.D. Wicks. L. A. Hamilton, J. F. Campbell, A. J. Schneider, R. M. Todd, dropped 23 bombs on transport of 25 horses and motor vehicles moving on the road between Bazentine-le-Petit and Flers and 25 to30 horsedrawn vehicles on Matinpuich-le-Barque -Road, also fired about 1800 rounds on these two transports. The first transport was badly scattered and many horses killed, at least two vehicles were destroyed. The second transport suffered many casualties among the horses and two vehicles were completely destroyed. Lieutenant Todd dropped four Bombs on a balloon in its bed near ‘Le Barque, but without apparent results he then attacked machine gun emplacement near Le Farque killing both gunners and putting the gun out of action. Lieutenant Williams dropped one bomb and fired about 400 rounds into a gun pit near 57 c S 7 B at about 14:00 putting gun out of action. At about 15:50 Lieutenants G. W. Goodnow, Floyd M. Showalter, George T. Wise, Ralph W. Snoke, William D. Tipton, R. D. Williams, George D. Wicks, F. A. Dixon and Merton Campbell dropped 15 bombs and machine gunned transport of eight lorries halted on crossroads 57 c N 24, also firing about 1400 rounds on same lorry with many direct hits. Lorries were completely destroyed. Lieutenant Showalter fired about 200 rounds on a balloon on ground without result, Lieutenant Wise fired on half a company of Infantry marching on a side road scattering them with several casualties, and then attacked machine gun emplacement near Eaucourt putting it out of action. Lieutenant R. D. Williams severely wounded in back by bullet which pierced his petrol tank. He was forced to plug the liole in the petrol tank by using his finger and on attempting a landing on the airdrome of the 3rd Squadron near Gencoult crashed sustaining further injuries. Lieutenant Wicks crashed while attempting a forced landing near Auxi-le-Chateau but escaped severe injuries. First Lieutenant Merton Campbell killed in action near Baupaume when flight of fourteen Fokkers attacked squadron while returning to airdrome.

 

 

24 Aug 1918

17th - Between 12:00 and 15:20 Lieutenant Lloyd A. Hamilton J. F. Campbell, E. B. Frost, A. J. Schneider, Ralph W. Snoke, and George T. Wise dropped bombs on hut and transport near Baupaume and fired on balloon near Baupaume and saw it burst into flames. (Confirmed by RAF Communique, 21, August 24th). In the attack on the balloon 1st lieutenant was brought down by anti-aircraft fire and in the crash of his plane. The flight then dropped bombs and Machine gunned forty densely packed lorries at fork of road near town of Queant and enemy airplanes on ground at Queant. Four bombs were dropped and heavy; machine gun fire directed on train being loaded on Vaulx Vraucourt and several direct hits scored. Flight dropped four bombs and fired on four guns going west near Vraucourt and bombed and gunned balloon on ground at 57 c B 24 without apparent effect. Second Lieutenant George T. Wise shot down near Vaulx Vraucourt and made prisoner. Lieutenants Goodnow and Showalter dropped bombs and fired 200 rounds into a stranded transport on Baupaume-Cambral road at 15:15 and fired 200 rounds into balloon on ground at 57 C H 22 (confirmed as a kite balloon by RAF Communiqe 21, August 24th). Lieutenants Snoke and Showalter dropped 8 bombs and machine-gunned horse transport going southeast near Le Transley about 18:30 killing many men and horses. Lieutenants Tipton and Wicks dropped two bombs and fired 900 rounds into a transport of fifty lorries and three big guns on Baupaume Cambrai road at 19:10 destroying four lorries and blocking road, forcing other lorries to detour around the ones destroyed. Lieutenants Todd and Dixon dropped eight bombs and fired 200 rounds into transport in town of Viiulx Braucourt at 19:45 and continued to strafe enemy positions in town until a flight of seven Fokkers appeared above forcing them to run for home.

 

4th Park Company - Captain J. C. Rankin assigned and assumed command.

 

 

25 Aug 1918

17th- Lieutenant H. Knotts lost formation while.on offensive, patrol and strayed over lines at 2, 000 feet. A flight of the 148th Squadron overhead attacked a flight of Fokkers and when one enemy Fokker dived away from the melee Lieutenant Knotts fired two bursts at a distance of ten and twenty yards. The enemy plane fell to the ground and burst into flames at about 17:50 (confirmed by RAF Communique 21, August 25th).

 

27th - First Lieutenant Robert T. Hill relieved and transferred to 1st Air Depot.

 

4th Park Company - Assigned First Pursuit Group and split into flights, being attached to squadrons of the Group for actual training

 

 

26 Aug 1918

17th - A patrol of six planes observed five Fokkers attacking a solitary Camel of the 148th Squadron near Oueant at about 17:00 and went to the assistance of the Camel. Several other flights of Fokkers on patrol came down and joined in a general melee during which Lieutenant Tipton destroyed two Fokkers and was then shot down, wounded in both legs, and taken prisoner, Lieutenant Todd destroyed a Fokker and was shot down, unwounded, and taken prisoner. Lieutenant Frost was severely wounded in combat and taken prisoner. Lieutenants Curtis and Ellis were shot down, unwounded, and taken prisoner. (Above action confirmed by RAF Letter, Third Wing, GRAF 2259-1G dated November 11th). Lieutenant Snoke dived on three Fokkers near Queant at about 17:05 and got on one side of a Fokker diving on a Camel, fired about one hundred rounds at about ten yards and enemy went down flopping around. He was then attacked by five enemy from above so collected two other machines of the patrol and streaked for home. The center section struts of Lieutenant Snoke’s machine were badly shot by machine gun fire from the enemy formation and this led to the now famous case of "Wires, RAF, Cross-bracing, center sectcion, upper" which on all the machines on the strength of the 17th Aero Squadron were shorter than the "Mobilization Tables" showed them to be, or than any the Park or Depots possessed. Wires measured and remeasured. Twenty-seven and a half inches from thread to thread. Wing was incredulous. "If they are 27-1/2 inches we’ll get them for you but you had better be sure that all your wires are 27-1/2 inches long or there will be trouble. The Commanding Officer and the Adjutant climbed over all the ships measuring the wires in question. 27 ½ inches shouted the Commanding Officer. "Twenty-seven and one-half inches" echoed the Adjutant, delighted to have something on Wing. The whole truth of the matter was that the discrepancy in length of wires was made known only after the patrol returned from a mission Both Lieutenant Wise and Williams’ ships practically shot apart and with the center section crossbracing wires cut away by bullets that must have passed within an inch of each pilot’s head. Until this experience no one had ever thought of measuring a center section wire. During the engagement on the patrol of the afternoon, Lieutenant Goodnow fired on five Fokkers and was sure that he had shot down at least three, none were ever confirmed. Lieutenant F. A. Dixon destroyed two Fokkers in the melee (confirmed by RAF Communique 22, August 28th).

 

GROUP - A board of officers was appointed to investigate and report upon the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of wine and other eatables from the property of M. Harrotte of Saints, supposedly by members of the First Pursuit Group. The Board found that no members of the First Pursuit Group were involved in the robbery.

 

 

28 Aug 1918

27th- First Lieutenant F. G. Wilson assigned.

 

 

29 Aug 1918

94th- Master Signal Electrician Ernest Heller seriously injured in motorcycle accident at Rembercourt while acting as convoy chief.

 

218th-This squadron which had been assigned as a Supply Squadron for the First Pursuit Group and had been split into flights for the purpose of obtaining training, was reconsolidated and started operations as a unit.

 

183rd - Squadron redesignated lst Park Company (known also as Mobile Park No.1)

 

 

30 Aug 1918

GROUP - Relieved from assignment to Vl French I Army, reassigned First Pursuit Wing, First Army, A. E. F and moved to Rembercourt in St. Michiel -Verdun Sector.

 

 

31 Aug 1918

27th - First Lieutenant Penrose V. Stout assigned. Private Albert D. Baughman died as a result of injuries received in motorcycle accident at Rembercourt on August 29th.

 

147th - The following commendation was received from the Commanding General, Royal Air Force:

19 August, 1918.

TO: General Officer Commanding, Royal Air Force, British Expeditionary Forces.

RE:       17th U.S. Aero Squadron

I should be glad if you would convey to Lieutenant Colonel Cunningham, DFC, the officers and men of the 65th Wing, R. A. F. an expression of my appreciation of the very good work done by them during the last month whilst cooperating with the 5th Group.

No. 2ll Squadron has been particularly successful in their daylight attacks on Bruges docks and shipping and the 17th American Squadron also cooperated in the low bombing attack on Varssenaerre Aerodrome. In addition they have destroyed a lot of enemy machines.

A. BOYLE,

Chief of Staff,

For the Vice-Admiral commanding.

 

The following commendation was received from the Commanding Ofiicer, 211th Squadron, Royal Air Force:

30 August, 1918.

TO:      Officer Commanding No. 65 Wing, Royal Air Force,

RE:       17th U.S. Aero Squadron

1. I would very much like to express in writing the gratitude felt both by myself and the flying personnel under my command for the exceptionally fine escort work done by the above squadron when escorting the bomb raids on Bruges Docks carried out by this Squadron.

2. "We are all agreed that No.17 Squadron was escorting our raids we had nothing to fear, from enemy aircraft. Although it was often imperative to fly out to sea and attack from East of the Target, thus making it a very long trip over the lines, nevertheless, the 17 U.S. Squadron always stuck to us. On one or two occasions a machine of ours would straggle owing to engine trouble, but these machines had no need to fear attacking enemy aircraft as some of the escorting machines would always look after the straggler.

3. On many occasions enemy aircraft attempted to attack our bombing machines over the target but they were never successful owing to the excellent escort.

4. Finally I can only say that I do not consider that any squadron in France would have supplied a better escort than No. 17 U.S. Aero Squadron.

G. R. M. REID,

Major, Royal Air Force.

Commanding No. 211 Squadron.

 

 

30 Aug 1918ust           

17th Squadron continued-Major Reid’s letter gave the Squadron unusual pleasure because the Pilots of No. 211 Squadron had been escorted during their career by Bristols and various other kinds of scouts, and were famous for the criticism and "Grousing" they had always levelled at the Squadrons sent over to cover their bombing operations It is an interesting fact that during the period in which they were escorted by the 17th Squadron not a machine of theirs was lost as a result of an attack by enemy aircraft.

 

 

1 Sep 1918           

27th - Departed Saints by truck and train for Rembercourt to rejoin 1st Group.

 

94th-Arrived Rembercourt. Major Carl Spaatz assigned.

 

95th - First Lieutenant Albert J. Weatherhead assigned. Departed Saints by truck convoy to join Group at Rembercourt,

 

147th- Arrived Rembercourt and assigned task of placing airdrome in condition for use.

 

 

2 Sep 1918

27th - First Lieutenant E. L. McCulley assigned.

 

 

 

 

3 Sep 1918

17th - The following commendation was received by the Squadron:

GENERAL HEADQUARTERS AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES

OFFICE OF THE CHIFF OF AIR SERVICE

August 23, 1918.

FROM: Chief of Air Service, American Expeditionary Forces.

TO: Major H. Fowler, Air Service.

SUBJECT: Work of 17th Aero Squadron.

1. This office is in receipt of your letter of August 16th, enclosed, the details of the work of the 17th Aero Squadron on August 13th in its attack of the German Aerodrome at Varsseanarre. The Chief of Air Service is particularly pleased with the splendid work done by this squadron on the date mentioned. It shows the aggressiveness and working together as a squadron which, we are endeavoring to obtain for all units of the American Air Service.

2. I have furnished a copy of your report to the Intelligence Section, General Staff, who have informed me that they were greatly pleased with the work done and have cabled the information back to the United States for publication.

3 . Please express to the Squadron Commander, pilots and soldiers of the squadron, the appreciation of the Chief of Air Service for the excellent work performed by them.

R. O. VAN HORN, Colonel, Air Service

Asst Chief of Air Service.

 

27th - Arrived Rembercourt in morning and made first patrol over new sector in afternoon. First Lieutenant Henry M. Nicholson assigned.

 

94th - Squadron made first patrol from Rembercourt Arodrome 6:40.

 

95th - Arrived Rembercourt.

 

147th - Squadron participated in patrol over sector 6:45 to 8:30 but no enemy aircraft were observed.

 

GROUP - Strict instructions issued regarding fires and use of camouflage due to airdrome being under continuous observation by line of enemy balloons.

 

 

4 Sep 1918.

27th - First Lieutenant Harry Joern, A. V. Lyman assigned.

 

95th - First Lieutenant A. J. Weatherhead assigned.

 

218th - The squadron which had remained behind at Saints for the purpose of closing the airdrome, proceeded to Rembercourt, by truck convoy.

 

 

5 Sep 1918

27th- First Lieutenant F. Lennon assigned, First Liutenant H. W. Joern transferred to Staff Chief of Air Second Army.

 

94th - First Lieutenants Emery A. Samson and Charles T. Crocker assigned,

 

218th-Assigned 95th Squadron for further training. Arrived Rembercourt 6:00.

 

648th - Flight IC" attached to 27th Aero Squadron for training.

 

GROUP - Orders issued that gas masks must be carried at all times due to proxity to lines. All squadrons instrtucted to maintain continous patrols over sector from daylighlight to dark.

 

 

8 Sep 1918

95th - While squadron was on offensive mission against enemy balloon line First Lieutenant Norman Archibald was shot down in vicinity of Verdun and taken prisoner.

 

 

9 Sep 1918

27th- First Lieutenant William F. Stewart, William M. Fowler, Sidney W. White, and Second Lieutenant William S.McKinnon assigned.

 

94th -Major Carl Spaatz, transferred to lst Pursuit Wing, for duty as Chief of Staff. Second Lieutenant Arthur L. Cunningham transferred to Group Headquarters as Assistant, Group Operations Officer. First Lieutenant Eugene H. Scroggie and Kendall E. Hopkins assigned.

 

 

10 Sep 1918

27th - Word received from Red Cross in Switzerland that Second Lieutenant John MacArthur had died of wounds August Ninth in a German Prison Camp. Second Lieutenant John H. Marschall assigned.

 

94th First Lieutenant William M. Fowler assigned from 27th Aero Squadron.

 

 

11 Sep 1918

17th - Due to the great French and Belogium push, th lines receded and it became necessary for the squadron to establish an advanced landing field at Belgnatre in order to refuel enroute to and returning from escort missions the German back areas.

 

GROUP - Austrian airplanes marked with Black, White and Red Cockades operating in the Besancon-Belfort area were observed and are particularly difficult to distinguish from French airplanes. Closer work with anti-aircraft units was established in view of the success the German Forces seemed to be obtaining these methods. Battle Orders No. 1, First Pursuit Wing indicated that the enemy was losing ground, personnel and material at all points of the front on which the allied armies were attacking. On the front of the First Army he was holding a lines from Pontsur-Seille St. Mihiel—Fresnos-en-Woevre—Chatillon The enemy air strength was estimated at 150 pursuit, 12O reconnaissance and 25 battle planes opposing the First Army. The strength of his ground troops was placed at about seven divisions with front three to five divisions in reserve. The indications were that the morale of the troops opposing First Army was low and apparently approaching the breaking point. The First Army was to attack at 5:00 on September 12th along the entire line. Instructions to the Air Service were "The Air Service will take the offensive at all points with the objective of destroying the enemys air service, attacking his troops on the ground and protecting our own air and ground troops. " The First Pursuit Wing was detailed to cover the front PONT -SUR-SEILLE to ST. MICHIEL and establish an absolute barrage against enemy aviation and continuous attacks against enemy balloon positions. One Pursuit Group loaded with bombs was held in reserve for the purpose of attack on hostile troops or convoys on the ground, continuously on alert in order to leave the ground within fifteen minutes of the receipt of the order. The First Pursuit Group, operating as an independent Air unit under direct orders from the First Army, was ordered to cover the front from Chatillon sous les Cotes to St. Michiel and attack hostile balloon positions at the same time protecting all allied reconnaissance operating in the sector.

 

 

12 Sep 1918

27th- Second Lieutenant Frank Luke, Jr. , destroyed 1 balloon near Marieulles 10:05 (confirmed) and did not return to Rembercourt until 9:30 on the 13th. First Lieutenant Weener shot, down balloon near Montsec (unconfirmed).

 

94th - First Lieutenant Edward R. Clark transferred to 1st Air Depot at Orderly. Lieutenants Rickenbacker and Chambers strafed troops transport near ivontsec causing many casualties and completely scattering the convoy. While on this mission these pilots observed the Ciermans evacuating the back areas and flew back to the Group airdrome reporting this information, Which the reconnaissance squadrons had not been able to obtain, and the Group Commander transmitted to information to First Army Headquarters by phone.

 

2nd Park Company - Assigned Third Pursuit Group at Vaucauleiurs, arriving the same day.

 

GROUP - This date marked the beginning of the St. offensive and all squadrons participated. in ground strafing, and low bombing operators particular attention to balloons in accordance with Battle Orders of the First Army. Observation gleaned during this period gained the First -Pursuit Group the sobriquet of "Pursuit Aviation" Orders were issued during tire later afternoon to locate advance elements of our troops who were moving immediately on the heels of the retreating Germans and to avoid their further movement in order to prevent them being cut off from the main advance.

 

 

13 Sep 1918

GROUP - Battle Orders of the First Army remained essentially the same, except that the First Pursuit Wing and First Pursuit Group were ordered to penetrate several kilometers deeper in enemy territory than on the previous day. During the advance of the First Army on the 12th of September it was reported that approximately seven thousand prisoners had been taken, together with much Artillery and material.

 

17th - While on offensive patrol 6:45 in the vicinity of Bregalnes, Lieutenant H. C. Knotts destroyed Fokker (confirmed by RAF Communique 25, September 16th).

 

27th - Squadron maintained continuous patrols over airdrome to protect other units of the Group engaged in operations with the First Army

 

94th - First Lieutenant Hamilton Coolidge destroyed near St. Mihiel (confirmed)

 

95th - Second Lieutenant George B. Bailey relieved.

 

103rd - While operating as a portion of the First Pursuit Wing, offensively against low flying enemy patrols, tile squadron destroyed seven machines as follows: First Lieutenant Frank O’D Hunter destroyed Fokker at Champey (confirmed) and together with Lieutenant G.D. Larner destroyed Albatross near Champey (confirmed). First Lieutenant George B. Furlow while leading an element of three planes was attacked by a patrol of seven Fokkers near Charey and during the combat he himself destroyed three Fokkers (confirmed); and Second Lieutenant H.D. Kenyon destroyed a Fokker at Champey (confirmed) and a Fokker near St. Julien (confirmed). The victories of the day were gained without the loss or injury of a single pilot of the squadron.

 

 

14 Sep 1918

GROUP - The enemy continued to lose ground during the day and some patrols of the First Army were reported to have pushed as far forward as the Hindenburg Line. The captures of prisoners were estimated to be between 20,000 and 25,000 and enemy aviation was battled to a stand still, the American units completely dominating the air. The orders of the Air Service, First Army, were approximately the same, with the exception that the First Pursuit Group, penetrating further than on both previous days was to cover the right flank of the First Army advance while the Pursuit Aviation of the Second French Army covered the left flank.

 

27th - Lieutenants Dawson, Luke, and Lennon destroyed balloon near Boinville (confirmed) and Lieutenant Clapp destroyed Fokker north of Verdun (unconfirmed). Lieutenant Wehner destroyed two blue-green Fokkers at Barcq and Lieutenant Luke destroyed enemy balloon in vicinity of Buzy (all confirmed).

 

94th - First Lieutenant James L. Davitt assigned First Lieutenant Rickenbacker destroyed Fokker near VilleyWaiville 8:50 (confirmed).

 

147th - While protecting three allied observation planes in the region of Etairi, Leiutenant Wilbert W. White was attacked by three Halberistadt bi-place fighters, which he succeeded in fighting of and leading away from the observation planes, permitting, them to carry on their work unmolested. While returning to the airdrome he dived through a cloud to attack an enemy balloon near Chambley and brought it down in flames (unconfirmed). Two Fokker, scouts then attacked him and although he was alone he attacked the first Fokker head-on until it went down out of control, the second Fokker then broke off the combat and returned to the rear areas. (confirmed).

 

 

15 Sep 1918

GROUP - The enemy -was forced back to the Hindenburg line and was consolidating his defenses. All German aviation had been greatly reinforced and was concentrated in and around the strategical centers of Metz and Conflans in order to protect them from allied bombing attacks. Orders of the day remained essentially the same as the preceeding day, except First Pursuit Group which was ordered to protect all observation missions over the entire front of the First Army and to a depth of ten kilometers in German territory.

 

 

 

27th - A patrol of eight planes at 10:45 to 12:05 with orders to destroy balloon at Etain, continued to lose planes until one Lieutenants Luke and Hoover were left when the flight reacted Etain, and immediately upon attacking the balloon it was pulled down. Archie fire was very heavy about the balloon and both planes were badly shot up. Six Fokkers the patrol from the time of take-off about 500 feet above but did not attack. Lieutenant Wehner departed airdrome 15:50 to destroy balloon at Barcq. He attacked the Fokker protecting the balloon and brought it down, (confirmed) then brought down the balloon (confirmed). On his return he observed an allied reconnaissance plane being attacked by eight Fokkers, he dove through the Fokker flight and routed it and escorted the reconnaissance plane back to its airdrome. Lieutenant Luke destroyed enemy balloon at Boinville and a second balloon. Near Bois-de-Hingry (confirmed September 15th and 26th, and Lieutenant Wohner destroyed balloon NE of Verdun near Spincourt 18:00 (Unconfirmed) Lieutenant Luke, destroyed balloon in vicinity of Chaumont but did not return until 12:45 on September16th, landing at French airdrome near Agars 21 :30.

 

94th - Lieutenant Rickenbacker destroyed Fokker, engaged in attacking Spads of 2nd Group on low flying mission, near Bois-de-Warville (confirmed).

 

 

16 Sep 1918

GROUP - First Army advance halted at the Hindenburg Line and enemy aviation withdrawn to Metz Conflans areas again became active on their side of the lines.

 

 

 

17th - First Lietitenant Ernest A. Love killed in action near Verdun,

 

27th - Second Lieutenant Luke destroyed balloon near Romagne 19:30 (confirmed) and Luke and Lieutenant Wehner dove through terrific antiaircraft and ground machine gun fire near Reveille to destroy a balloon which had been hauled down into it’s bed on their approach (confirmed). Lieutenant Wehner destroyed balloon near Magneines 19:45 (confirmed).

First Lieutenant Samual Colton and R. A. Rowland assigned.

 

94th - While on patrol to serve enemy evacuations and returning for home First Lieutenant John Jeffers fell asleep, and awoke just in time after arriving over the airdrome to level out and crash on a small hill just beyond the airdrome.

 

95th - First Lieutenant Josiah Pegues, Henry Popperfuss and Eiigene L. McCubbin assigned

 

147th - While on protection mission for observation planes of the 99th Aero Sqi-iadrori, ‘First Lieutenant Louis C. was attacked b-v three Halberstadt fighters who attempted to destroy the observation planes. He attacked the three Halberstadt’s and forced their away from the observation planes, finally getting on the tail of one and shooting it down in flames near Hadonville-les-La-Chausse (confirmed) which the remaining two broke off the combat and returned to their lines. First Lieutenants Edward E. Peake and Oscar E.            Meyers assigned.

 

 

17 Sep 1918

17th - Lieutenant W. T. Clements and H.C. Knotts while on offensive patrol near Arleux at 6:45 destroyed a white tailed Fokker (confirmed by RAF communiqe 25, September 17th.)

 

27th - First Lieutenant Eugene McCubbin transferred from95th Aero Squadron.

 

95th - First Lieutenant Waldo Heinriclis severely wounded in combat and taken prisoner in vicinity of Verdun. First Lieutenant Heyliger Church transferred from 5th Air Depot

 

 

18 Sep 1918

17th - While answering radio call alert on offensive patrol about 11:00 Lieutenants Wicks, Vaughn and Burdick found two two-seaters at 4, 000 feet but not at location indicated. They chased them through clouds and as they came up through Burdick attacked one, an LVG, diving on left side and opening fire at about 50 yards, The observer was shot dead and the machine burst into flames . Vauglin and Wicks took on the other LVG and after killing observer, the machine went into a steep dive at less than 1,000 feet in the vicinity of Rumilly. Heavy machine gun fire from the ground prevented the flight from making any observation of the result. (Machine destroyed by Lieutenant Burdick confirmed by RAF Communique 25, September 18th).

 

27th - Lieutenant Fudson had forced landing at Erize-le-Petite ,while returning from patrol and completely demolished airplane. Lieutenant Luke and Wehner destroyed three balloons in the vicinity of Sabenville (confirmed) and were attacked by a patrol of Fokkers. Lieutenant Wehner was killed in combat and Lieutenant Luke, succeeded in destroying three of the Fokkers (confirmed) and did not return to the airdrome at Rembercourt until 21:15, September 19th, when he made a perfect landing on the airdrome in total darkness which was sensational in view of the fact that the airdrome was pock-marked with shell holes. Lieutenant Vasconcelles destroyed a Fokker near Verdun (confirmed).

 

95th - First Lieutenant Stin-iner Sewall destroyed a Fokker over Verdun (confirmed) and First Lieutenant William H. Taylor was killed in action over Verdun.

 

103rd-While on patrol near Verneville, Lieutenants Hunter, Frost and Furlow were attacked by an enemy formation of eight Fokkers. In the combat Lieutenant Hunter destroyed two Fokkers, Liutenant Hunter destroyed two Fokkers, Lieutenant Frost shot down a Fokker in flames and Lt furlow destroyed a Fokker (none confirmed). Lt Furlow’s machines was so badly shot up after the engagement that it was necessary to destroy it after return to the home airdrome.

 

 

19 Sep 1918

94th-The 94th Squadron entertained at dinner for Lieutenant Luke, who by virtue of his surprising victories in the preceding seven days had become the leading American Ace. Lieutenant Luke arrived at the airdrome, having been gone since 18:00 September 18th, in time to share the entertainment provided by Elizabeth Brice, Lois Meredith, Bill Morrissey and Tommy Gray, all favorites of the American Stage.

 

 

20 Sep 1918

17th The advanced landing field of the squadron at Belgnatre discontinued and the squadron moved by truck train to Doullens with the 85th Squadron, Royal Air Force, which was equipped with Sopwith Dolphins.

 

27th-First Lieutenant Thomas F. Lennon transferred to Evacuation Hospital No. 9 as a result of injuries received in airplane accident near Berdun. Second Lieutenant P.T. Gates assigned.

 

103rd-Moved to Lisle-en-Barrois with Third Pursuit Group.

 

2nd Air Park Moved to Lisle-en-Barrois and prepared field for use of 3rd pursuit Group.

21 Sep 1918

GROUP-All squadrons of the Group were entertained in the evening by the Margaret Mayo Troupe of dancers from the United States.

 

 

22 Sep 1918

17th- Fourteen planes of the squadron, led by First Lt. George A. Vaughn, while on offensive patrol in the vicinity, of Cambrai at 8:45 attacked a flight of eighteen Fokkers Vince PFalz planes which were attacking five DeHaviland Bombers of the Independent Air Force. In the general melee which followed Lieutenant Wicks destroyed a Fokker west of Rumilly (confirmed by RAF Communiqe 25, September 26th and Lieutenant Vaughn destroyed a Fokker which was confirmed and a Pfalz which was not confirmed. Lieutenant Clements fired on a Fokker attacking the Camels from above and when the Fokker dove past him, followed it down continuing to fire until the Fokker crashed into trees confirmed by RAF Communique 22, September 22nd). After withdrawing from this combat, and while returning to the home airdrome, the squadron attacked a Halberstadt Observation machine and was attacked by a flight of six Fokkers. During this engagement Second Lieutenant Gerald P. Thomas was killed and First Lieutenant Theose Tillinghast was shot down and made prisoner. Lieutenant Vaughn, Burdick and Knotts were sent to the airdrome of the 65th Britisli Wing, and were there decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross by General Byng, Commander of Aviation, British Expeditionary Forces.

 

27th - Lieutenant Hudson engaged in indecisive combat with Fokker near Chateau-Thierry 11:05

 

 

 

 

23 Sep 1918

218th - Captain John G. Rankin transferred from group headquarters and assumed command. First Lieutenants I.Ordway and James L. McGrath transferred from Group Headquarters and assigned. Squadron commenced operations as Engineering, Supply and Salvage unit for First Pursuit Wing units.

 

 

24 Sep 1918

17th - At about 10:40 while over Coupez Mill, the squadron patrol of twelve Catnels Nvas attacked by a Squadron of Blue tailed Fokkers. Lieutenant Knotts destroyed one Fokker in the first attack and turned to fire on a Fokker which was following him. He fired a few rounds at this second Fokker and the Fokker exploded two Fokkers confirmed by RAF Communique 26, September 24th and while watching the second Fokker fall was then attacked by four Fokkers and was forced to turn and run for the lines. Lieutenant Clements destroyed one Fokker confirmed by RAF Communique 26. September 24th and Lieutenant Campbell followed a Fokker which he had separated from the main formation destroying it near Havrincourt Village (confirnied.by Letter 13 WP 54th Company, 13th Wing RAF October l2th). Lieutenant Burdick shot down a Fokker out of control near Havrincourt Wood at 10:50 confirmed by RAF Communique 26, September 24th) and the Fokker formation withdrew from the combat. This Blue tailed squadron later in the day jumped the 148th Aero Squadron and the 148th scored eight victories over them, the Blue tail squadron disappearing from the front and was never again seen on the western front. While returning from the combat Lieutenant Knotts fired 100 rounds into troops and about 500 rounds into two lorries on the Baupame-Cambrai Road. At 15:50 Lietitenant Knots while flying low over the lines went down to about 800 feet and fired at an ammunition dump on the side road near Cambrai. The explosion of’ this dump was seen by ground officers at the Advanced Landing Field of the 58th Squadron RAF and by Lieutenant Elliott ‘White Springs of tire 148th Squadron.

 

 

25 Sep 1918

27th - First Lieutenant Lennon returned from hospital.

 

94th - First Lieutenant Edward V. Rickenbacker assumed command of the Squadron, relieved Major Kenneth Marr who was ordered to the Second Pursuit Group. While on voluntary patrol, alone, near Filly France, Lieutenant Rickenbacker observed seven enemy planes, two Halberstadt observation and five Fokkers protecting them, and disregarding the odds, attacked the formation, shooting down one of the Fokkers and then Destroying one of the Halberstadts before the enemy formation turned and flew into German territory. The confirmation of the Halberstadt brought his known total, at that time to twenty-five enemy airplanes, and one plane, later to be confirmed after the release of Captain Hall from a German Prisoner’s Camp, to twenty-six. The engagement in which Lieutenant Rickenbacker gained these last two Victories began near Billy and terminated with the destruction of the Halberstadt near Foret-de-Spincourt from 8:40 to 8:50.

 

GROUP - A telegram received from the Chief of Air Service, American Expeditioniary Forces, read: "Percentage of smashed aviation material on our squadrons at the front running many times in excess of French losses. Under present conditions when we are fighting for eversy plane we get care must be taken otherwise you will have squadrons on the front without planes to flight. Please get this information out to all squadron commanders and state that replacements at te present rate cannot continue - DUNWOODY "The First Pursuit Group having been in the thick of all the aerial combat work naturally had suffered severe losses but in comparison to number of victories gained and the losses of similar units of the American Forces the Group’s replacements was considerably lower. Battle Orders of the First Army indicated the allied offensive of the Meuse-Argonne would commence or, September 26th, The enemy air strength remained at approximately the same as the end of the battle of St. Mihiel and enemy ground forces opposed to the First Army were estimated at approximately six to ten divisions, of which five divisions were between the Meuse and Aisne Rivers. His reserves were estimated at about Thirteen divisions largely between the Meuse and Moselle Rivers

 

 

26 Sep 1918

27th - A patrol by Lieutenant White, Vasconcelles and Hudson to destroy balloons along the Moselle River rested in Lieutenant Vasconcelles destroying one balloon was confirmed and four which were not confirmed. Lieutenant Hoover destroyed Fokker near Forge unconfimed while covering the attack on the balloon at that place. In the later patrol lieutenant Stout had an indecisive combat with a Fokker; Lieutenant Dawson shot down a Fokker between Charry and Forges (confirmed) and Lieutenant Roberts destroyed a bi-place near Romacine (confirmed Lieutenant Luke destroyed a Fokker near Consenvoye (unconfirmed) and Lieutenant Lyman destroyed a balloon near Etain (unconfirmed). Second Lieutenant Ivan A. Roberts was killed in combat near Consenvoye 18:40 and Lieutenant Nicholson destroyed a rumpler bi-place near Consenvoye and Forges 18:30 (unconfirmed).

.

94th - Major Marr departed for the United States on a special mission assigned by the War Department. While covering balloon raid by the 27th Aero Squadron, Lieutenant Chambers destroyed a Fokker near Danvillers (confirmed as his fourth victory) and Lieutenant Alan Nutt destroyed a balloon near Nantillois (confirmed) gaining his first victory, Lieutenant Cook gained his second official victory by destroying a Fokker near Drillan-Court at 6:40; confirmed; and Lieutenant Scroggie destroyed a balloon near Grand Ham at 6:45 (confirmed). During a patrol to destroy balloons later in the evening, the flight was attacked by eight Fokkers and Lieutenant Nutt was separated from the formation and shot down in flames near Forges at 18:25. First Lieutenant Aiden Sherry was shot down in no-mans-land but managed to reach the allied lines. First Lieutenant Raymond J. Saunders was an signed.

 

95th - On a call from First Army headquarters Lieutenant Edward P. Curtis volunteered to make a reconnaissance patrol of great danger and importance, to a depth of thirty-kilometers within enemy territory. The entire flight is made at a very low altitude and subjected to severe gun and anti-aircraft fire and the airplane was badly shot up, On a balloon strafing mission Lieutenant Buckley and McLanahan destroyed a balloon at Nantillois (confirmed) and Lieutenant McLanahan destroyed the Fokker protecting the balloon (confirmed). Lieutenant Gravatt destroyed a Fokker near Dullancourt (confirmed) to provide his first official victory.

 

103rd - While on a low flying offensive mission near Darnvillers, eleven Spads of the squadron were attacked from above by twelve Fokkers. During the engagement Captain Biddle noticed two Fokkers converting on a Spad which was pretty well shot up and off to one side of the general. melee, quickly diving between the Spad and the Fokkers lie forced the Fokkers to break off the attack and permit the Spad pilot to return to the allied side of the lines where he crashed.

 

147th, - While on a mission to destroy balloons about 19:00 and during a particularly hazy period of the early evening Lieutenant Wilbert White observed what he thought was an enemy balloon below him, He dived to the attack and circled over the balloon (?) firing and observing the tracers pass clear through it. On conning in closer to attack he overshot his object and dove through a puff of black smoke which he had been attacking as a balloon.

 

GROUP - One flight of the 27th Squadron was detached and despatched to the advance airdrome at Verdun, under command of First Lieutenant Jerry C. Vasconcelles, to act as a separate squadron in defense of the allied balloon line. One flight of the 147th Squadron, under commander of First

 

 

 

Lieutenant A. H. Jones was dispatched to the, advanced airdrome at, Brebant-en-Argonne to act as separate squadron with the specific mission to destroy enemy balloons in advanced positions. First Army orders of the day, for September 27th, included the mission of destruction of all enemy low-flying airplanes, balloons on the front from the Meuse River to the Argonne Forest and in addition, realizing the valuable work the First Pursuit Group was doing in incidental observation, assigned the Group the duty of maintaining liaison between all air units and the specific mission protection of allied reconnaissance planes.

 

 

27 Sep 1918

17th - A flight of fourteen planes under command.of Major H.L. Fowler, Chief of Aviation with British Expeditionary Forces dropped ten bombs on the Fontaine-Notre-Dame thirty-three bombs on Bokirlon wood where the allied advance in the north was checked by strong German concentrations. At 16:40 a fourteen plane flight under command of First Lieutenant Vaughn dropped 56 bombs and heavily machine gunner troops on the approach to bridges over the Canal De L’Escaut at Marcoing, inflicting severe losses on them and breaking the bridge-head for the advancing allied troops. Lieutenant Campbell destroyed a Fokker near Marcoing 17:35 (unconfirmed) when the Fokker attacked individual planes of the 17th Squadron bombing the bridge approaches.

 

27th - Lieutenant Hoover gained his third official victory by destroying a Fokker near Forges 17:00 (confirmed) and Lieutenant Dawson destroyed a Halberstadt two-seater near Sivry (unconfirmed), Lieutenant Stout brought down a Halberstadt near Sivry 18:10 (unconfirmed). Second Lieutenant Norton H. Lustig, Ordnance, transferred to 199th Aero Squadron.

 

94th - Lieutenant Rickenbacker destroyed Fokker near Montfaucon (confirmed) after being separated from his patrol Lieutenant Scroggle joined Lieutenants Herron and White of the 147th Squadron and assisted in the destruction of a Fokker near Montfaucon (confirmed). This was Lieutenant Scroggie’s first official victory.

 

95th - First Lieutenant C. N. Nyluind, Medical Corps, assigned as Flight Surgeon. Lieutenants Buckley, Curtis and Popperfuss destroyed Fokker over Montfaucon and.Lieutenats Buckley, Butz and Woodward destroyed a bi-place over Chateau-Thierry (both confirmed).

 

147th Lieutenant Wilbert White destroyed a Fokker near Mongacucon and together Scroggie of the 94th Squadron, destroyed a second Fokker over Montfaucon. This engagement brought Lieutenants White’s official victories to eight and was registered as Lieutenant Herron’s first victory.

 

GROUP - Operations report of the First Army for the day, carried the following report- "A unique mission for the purpose of destroying enemy balloons was executed by Lieutenant Wehner and Lieutenant Luke of the First Pursuit Group in the late evening of the 17th, having made previous arrangement for landing on their airdrome after dark, these pilots left the field at dusk proceeding over the line of the enemy balloons. Within a period of thirty-five minutes three enemy balloons were destroyed by these pilots and because of the late hour, the flames could be seen from the First Pursuit Group airdrome. This exploit brings the total number of balloons destroyed by Lieutenant Luke within the last three days to nine". Several ships of the Group Collided in the air and on the ground during night flying practice this date, but no losses of personnel were a result of these collision although four airplanes were temporarily placed out of commission due to the accidents and all pilots of the Group were taught a lesson in caution as a result of these needless flying accidents.

 

103rd - In the presence of General Liggett, the squadron was officially commended by the citation awarded the original Lafayette Escadrille (Squadron 124 French) Which for a reason had never been publicly announced and had never been actually awarded. It was therefore only fitting and that the 103rd Aero Squadron. U.S. A., it’s successor -squadron and the squadron which inherited the original flying personnel of the unit should receive the commendation at a ceremony attended by officials of both governments and by high ranking officers of both armies.

 

 

28 Sep 1918

17th - A four plane patrol dropped sixteen bombs and fired 200 rounds of machine gun ammunition at convoys, naves and lorries in the main square at Cambrai and Baubourg de Paris. A patrol of thirteen planes dropped twenty-six bombs on Awoingt (pronounced by the squadron as AH-WINK), sixteen bombs on roads southeast of Cambrai, six bombs on a balloon near Cambrai, with no success in destruction of the balloon, blew up the, railroad bridge on the Cambrai Roadi at 5:10, fired 2150 rounds into troops and transports on Wasnieres-Cambrai Road scattering concentration with severe losses, fired one-hundred fifty rounds on training pulling through railway station at Awoingt causing train to stop and fired one-hundred rounds at train at Wambaix, receiving heavy machine gun fire in return, Extremely heavy machine gun fire from ground near Cambrai drove patrol off before damage could be observed. While from this patrol Lieutenant Burdick attacked a LVG two seater and was in turn attacked by two Fokkers, one of which he shot down in flames and then turned on other Fokker which was diving after Lieutenant Wicks. His fire on this Fokker caused the Fokker to continue diving right on into the ground (two Fokkers confirmed by RAF Communique 26, September 28th). Lieutenant Vaughn destroyed the LVC, after Lieutenant Burdick had been forced to abandon the combat (confirmed by Letter 13 WP 54th Company, 13th Wing RAF October 12th). Turning the course of the combat Lieutenant Wicks was driven down to the ground and stove in the leading edge of his lower right wing, attempting to get away from the Fokker which was following him down. Lieutenant Knotts observed a German staff car proceeding through Naves and dove on it forcing it out on the open road where he machine-gunned the car going faster and faster until it turned over on it’s side and the occupants spilled out. All the occupants except one did not move and the one survivor after a hurried look around ran through a field with Lieutenant Knotts pursuing him in the airplane and firing on him until he dropped apparently dead.

 

27th - During patrol of nine planes from 6:30 to 8:15 Lieutenant Stewart and Clapp were forced to return on account of engine trouble and Lieutenant Rucker was forced down near Verdun and did not return until 11:05. Lieutenant McCubbin had a forced landing near Verdun and did not return untii 17:00. Lieutenant Luke destroyed a balloon near Bantheville ard St. Georges 18:50 (confirmed) to provide his fourteenth victory. During six plane patrol from 14:30 to 15:40) Lieutenant Penrose V. Stout failed to get off with the patrol but left at 15:00 Lo catch up with the Flight and ran into five Fokkers near Charney. He managed lo fight his way through although he was forced lower and lower until infantry riflemen were firing on him and ground machine guns badly shot his plane. He landed at Verdun with serious wounds in his shoulder and lungs. Lieutenant Clapp Hand Rowland were forced to return to the airdrome on account of engine trouble. Lieutenant Jerry Vasconcellens at the advanced field destroyed bi.-place rumpler near Charey (confirmed) to provide his sixth official victory. Lieutenant Robert H. Donaldson was transferred to Evacuation hospital No. 9, the result of wounds received in combat over Verdun.

 

94th - Lieutenant Harvey Weir Cook destroyed a balloon on the ground near Clery-le-Petit (confirmed) and a balloon in ascension near Sivry-sur-Meuse (confirmed) to gain his third official victory. Lieutenant Rickenbacker destroyed a balloon near Clery-le-Petit (confirmed) for his tenth official victory. Lieutenant Alden Sherry returned to the squadron, having recovered from his wounds. On orders of General William Mitchell, a flight under command of Lieutenant Rickenbacker made a night reconnaissance of the railway line from Stenay to Metz to locate, a train rumored to carrying the famed "’Prussian Guard" on the way to combat the later famous "Lost Battalion which was pinched off from the main advance in death valley under Montfaticon. The rumor proved groundless and on the return flight from Metz the flight machine-gunned targets that presented themselves

 

103rd - First Lieutenant Edgar Tobin destroyed a Fokker , near Chetel-Chehery and Lieutenant E. H. Hubbard destroyed a bi-place near Chatel-Chehery (both planes confirmed).

 

147th - While on offensive patrol Lieutenant Charles P. Porter and Arthur I. Ennis destroyed a Fokker near Montfaucon. Lieutlenant Oscar B. Meyers leading a flight composed of himself, Lieutenant Kenneth Porter and Louis Simons encountered a flight of nine Fokkers protecting a bi-place reconnaissance machine near Cierges and after driving off the Fokkers managed to shoot the bi-place down near Verdun. The victories of the day resulted in Lieutenant Charles Porter’s fourth official victory, Lieutenants Ennis, and Oscar B. Meyers gaining their first victories and Lieutenants Kenneth Porter and Louis Simons gaining their second victories.

 

GROUP - The liaison report of the day "Many formations of Fokkers were seen coming south from Germany, altitude 2000 meters, One formation of 17 with no definite formation, another formation of 11. The Group hovers over one point in a confused mass, groups of five or six planes detached themselves and go off four, five or ten kilometers in one direction and then return to the general group. Immediately another group of four or five go off in other direction and then return to the main group. Large formations remain at the spot approximately thirty minutes then move to another spot and repeat." Battle Orders for the following day carried instructions assigning the First Pursuit Group the mission of sweeping the entire Army front of low flying enemy aircraft and continuous attacks on enemy balloons. In addition, the Group was designated as the liaison unit for al1 air units of the First Army and including the British Independent Air Force and French Army Observation Group.

 

 

29 Sep 1918

17th - A nine plane formation lead by Lieutenant Vaughn dropped sixteen bombs on Awoingt, twenty bombs on horse transport going west near Cambrai and fired 1100 rounds into same transport,, inflicting many casualties. A fourteen plane patrol machine-gunned a German Working party, inflicting severe casualties Lieutenants Dixon, Vaughn and Burdick dove through a heavy machine gun barrage near Bantouselle attacking a balloon and forcing its descent.

 

27th - Second Lieutenant- Frank Luke, Jr., from 17:15 to 18:30 attacked three balloons in the vicinity of Avecourt, gaining his 15th, 16th and 17th victories. On completion of the mission he landed at Riecourt and never again returned to the squadron. During a patrol against enemy low planes from 16:00 to 17:00 Lieutenant Nicholson and Rucker were forced down in the vicinity oF Montfaucon. Lieutenant France Q. Wilson was transferred to Air Service, First Army and departed for General Mitchell’s headquarters.

 

94th - Second Lieutenant Dudley M. Outcalt assigned. Wliile on voluntary patrol near Epinonville, Lieutenaiits Reed M. Chambers ancl Samuel Kaye, Jr., were attacked by a formation of six Fokkers. In a running combat they destroyed one ‘Fokker near Cunel-Fois-de-Faye (confirmed) and the remaining Fokkers returned to the German side of the lines. This Victory was the first for Lieutenants Chambers and Kaye.

 

95th-While on balloon straffing mission near Cunnell, First Lieutenant Granville O. Woodward destroyed a balloon and First Lieutenant Lansing C. Holden destroyed a balloon each being confirmed as the first victory of the pilot concerned. Lieutenant Woodward was shot down and taken prisoner in the vicinity of Curnell immediately after destroying his balloon.

 

 

 

147th - While on offensive patrol Lieutenants White and Herron were attacked by five Fokkers and Lieutenant White destroyed the leader of the Fokker formation and one other Fokker (both confirmed). Lieutenant Charles P. Porter and Ennis destroyed a Rumpler over the German lines (unconfirmed). Lieutenant Meissner engaged a Rumpler near Montfaucon but was forced to withdraw from the combat when his guns jammed after which Lieutenant-Muther took up the, combat but was also forced to withdraw due to jams. A patrol of three planes composed of Lieutenant C. P. Porter, O. B. Myers and Louis Simons maneuvered into position on a Rumpler protected by nine Fokkers and shot the Rumpler down in flames, after which the formation scattered and made their way to the home airdrome (Rumpler unconfirmed).

 

 

 

GROUP - The advance of the.First Army was halted during the afternoon and orders of the day indicated that the Army would remain in position, already gained for the remainder of the month. The First Pursuit Group was given the task of maintaining a heavy barrage over the front between the Meuse River and the Argonne Forest to protect the troops who were far in advance of the service of supply. All other air units of the First Army were permitted to remain ori the ground preparing equipment for another drive to be launched about October Third.

 

 

30 Sep 1918

27th- First Lieutenant Corliss C, Moseley, Bryron C. Bilderback and Second Lieutenants Hollis Cross, Harrv L. Land and Frederick Little assigned. Lieutenant Luke left Riecourt late during the afternoon and immediately after taking off destroyed the balloon on the German lines directly opposite the airdrome, which was confirmed as his 18th and last victory. During the course of this flight he was shot down in combat near Montlainville and killed.

 

94th - 1st Lieutenant John DeWitt, Raymond J. Saunders, and Second Lieutenant Pyron B. Norris assigned

 

95th - First Lieutenant R. L. Johnson, J. ‘P. Treanor, Jr., and William H. Vail assigned.

 

147th - First Lieutenant George G. Waters assigned.

 

GROUP - Marlin guns were received by the Group to be installed on the Spads in place of the Vickers guns originally installed. About fifty percent of the planes assigned each squadron were withdrawn from service to accomplish this.

 

 

1 Oct 1918

17th- A fifteen plane flight dropped 60 bombs on Awoingt 10:40 and observed severe explosions near German installations. An eleven plane flight dropped 44 bombs on Awoingt 17:40. Awoingt proved to be the dumping ground for the squadron whenever the mission could not find better targets or was forced into combat.

 

27th - During a patrol for the destruction of balloons 14:00 to 15:35 Lieutenant Stewart crashed at Issoncourt and Lieutenant Colton was forced down at Dombasle. At the Advanced Field, Lieutenant Vasconcelles reported an indecisive combat with a, Fokker about 12:10. First Lieutenant Leslie E. Cooper and Second Lieutenant Percival T. Gates assigned.

 

94th - First Lieutenant Rickenbacker destroyed balloon near Purieux (confirmed) to gain his eleventh official victory. First Lieutenant Robert L. Collins and-Cedric A. Smith assigned.

 

95th - First Lieutenant Archibald S. O’Neill and Frank Tillman assigned.

 

147th- First Lieutenant Charles E. Cox assigned.

 

GROUP - The First Pursuit Group continued to be the only Army Air Unit operating over the First Army Front, performing observation missions, offensive patrols and balloon-straffing missions throughout the day.

 

 

2 Oct 1918

17th - A fourteen plane patrol dropped 56 bombs on Awoingt at 9:10. While returning from patrol Lieutenant Vaughn and Patrick destroyed an orange colored LFW two-seater east of Awoingt at 9:15 (confirmed). Twelve plane patrol dropped 41 bombs on Awoingt at 15:30 and two bombs on Ambais. This patrol also machine-gunned a transport oil the Wambaix-Cambrai road inflicting severe losses.

 

27th - The Squadron maintained continuous patrols over the lines and over the airdrome during the day without engaging in any combats.

 

94th - Lieutenant Rickenbacker destroyed a Rumpler near Clery-le-Grand 16:37 (confirmed) and with Lieutenant Chambers destroyed an LVG near Dannevoix at 17:07 to gain his 12th and 13th official victories. Near Vilosnes-sur-Meuse Lieutenant Chambers observed four Fokkers attacking an Ameican Spad and went to the assistance of the Spad and on his initial attack destroyed a Fokker, the remainder of the enemy fort-nation scattered. The two victories gained by Lieutenant Chambers this date were his second and third official victories, Lieutenants Coolidge and Garnsey and Lieutenant Jones and Simonds of the 147th Squadron combined to destroy a Halberstadt near Bois-le-Ville 17:40. First Lieutenant Walter H. Parker relieved. The victories of Lieutenants Coolidge and Garnsey were their sixth and first respectively,

 

147th - Lieutenants Jones and Simonds gained their fourth official victories while flying with a flight of the 94th Aero Squadron which destroyed a Halberstadt near Bois -le-Ville

 

2nd Park Company - Redesignated 2nd Air Park and Second Lieutenant William H, Bleeker assigned as Commanding Officer.

 

 

3 Oct 1918

17th - A fourteen plane formation dropped 51 bombs on Caudry and railroad sidings 7:35 stopping all rail traffic. Lieutenant E. D. White lost from formation and landed at Borest, near Senlis. Ten plane formation bombed railway yards at Caudry 15:01 again completely halting all traffic and damaging sidings and platforms to such an extent that no activity could pass through Caudry for the two following days.

 

27th - First Lieutenant Jerry C. Vasconcelles gained his fourth official victory by destroying a Fokker bi-place near Apremont (confirmed).

 

 

 

94th - Lieutenant Rickenbacker destroyed Fokker near Villenes 17:40 and with Lieutenant Coolidge destroyed a Halberstadt near Montfaucon at 17:30 (confirmed). Lieutenant Curtis also took part in the attack on the Halberstadt, which resulted in Lieutenant Rickenbacker’s 14th and 15th victories and Lieutenant Coolidge’s 2nd. In a balloon straffing mission assigned Lieutenants Cook, Coolidge and Crocker they were covered by an eight plane flight from each the 27th, 94th, 95th and 147th Squadrons. Lieutenant Cook destroyed a balloon near Grandpre 16:15 (confirmed) to gain his fourth official victory and Lieutenant Coolidge destroyed a balloon near Clery-le-Grant 16:36 (confirmed) to gain his third victory. On climbing away from the balloon Lieutenant Coolidge was attacked by a Fokker which had been protecting the balloon and he in turn shot down the Fokker near Dun-sur-Meuse at 16:39 (confirmed) for his fourth victory. Lieutenants Palmer, Sparks and Thorne C. Taylor destroyed a balloon near Grandpre (confirmed) at 16:15, being the first official victory of Lieutenant Palmer and Sparks and Lieutenant Taylor’s second. First Lieutenant Eugene P. Scroggie was shot down, wounded and taken prisoner in an engagement never Fullancourt 16:00.

 

95th - First Lieutenant Edward P. Curtis gained his fourth official victory while flying with a flight from the 94th Squadron. First Lieutenant Walter L. Avery was shot down and captured near Dullancourt 17:05.

 

147th - Lieutenants Jones, O’Neill and Simmonds destroyed a Halberstadt two-seater in flames near Bois-de-Montfaucon (unconfirmed).

 

 

4 Oct 1918

GROUP - The First Army continued to advance in the offensive of the Meuse-Argonne, all elements moving forward at 5:25. The mission of the First Pursuit Group remained the same, although the Second and Third Pursuit Groups were again active in covering the sector alloted to the First Army thereby reducing the number of patrols necessary from the First Group.

 

17th - An eleven plane patrol dropped 44 bombs on station and outgoing train at Caudry 11:30 and received heavy machine gun and archie fire in return. Lieutenant J. Donohoe had a forced landing at Villernes resulting in complete destruction of the airplane. A ten plane patrol bombed Awoingt 17:30 dropping 40 bombs and machine gunning important anti aircraft gun positions.

 

17th-First Lieutenant Elihu H. Kelton assigned. Poor visibility forced the patrols to fly very low and reduced their effectiveness.

 

95th - First Lieutenant Knowles destroyed a Fokker triplane near Dullancourt (confirmed) to gain his third official victory.

 

103rd - While leading a formation of four Spads, Lieutenant Larner’s flight was attacked by six Fokkers near Montfaucon. In the engagement which followed Lieutenant Larner destroyed one Fokker (confrimed) and the remainder of the enemy formation was forced to retire. While separated from his patrol in the vicinity of Ligny-devant-dun, First Lieutenant Frank O’D Hunter observed a patrol of seven Merican Brequets being attacked by a formation of tem Fokkers. He entered the engagement and succeeded in destroying one Fokker (confirmed) and then retired. He was then attacked by a formation of five Fokkers and succeeded in destroying one (confirmed) before being forced to return to his home airdrome.

 

GROUP - All squadron of the Group dropped the pamphlet "Stars and Stripes" on the front lines during the 16:00 patrols. Pilots were cautioned to observe the following "While flying over the vicinity of Romagne-sour-Montfaucon which is 7 or 8 kilometers north of Montfaucon, luminous balls coming from the ground at great speed and with the regularity of ordinary tracer bullets passed on both sides of the plane at other times by one side. The bursts averaged about 20 balls each, From their appearance I would judge that the balls were larger than ordinary tracers. Anti-aircraft fire was active but inaccurate at the same time, which was about 6:25 27th September. My heighth was about 1200 to 1500 meters ." Battle orders of the day indicated that the German Air Service after vainly attempting all day to gain control of the air was defeated everywhere along the First Army front. The following commendation was incorporated in the battle orders of the day "The work of all branches of the Air Service, both French and American, has been extremely severe, not only on account of the presence of the enemy in great numbers, but on account of the weather and poor visibility. In spite of these difficulties, the Air Services have shown a dash and readiness to meet every call made upon them, in a way to excite admiration from all who have witnessed the work."

 

 

5 Oct 1918

17th - A fifteen plank, patrol dropped 60 bombs on Awoingt at: 9:00 and observed direct hits on railway stations, lines and on the largest building in town. The sheds near the railway station were set on fire by this bombardment.

 

27th - Lieutenant Colton Rowland and Nicholson and McKiinmon had indecisive combats in the region of Montfaucon where eleven Fokkers were encountered. Lieutenant William S. McKinnon was slightly wounded in the engagement and evacuated to Evacuation Hospital No. 8, after reaching the airdrome where he made a splendid landing although suffering great pain. Lieutenant Cooper was forced down near Bethelainville and wrecked his plane in a shell hole on landing.

 

94th - While on patrol in the vicinity of Epinonville, a flight was attacked by a formation of seven Fokkers. Separating one of the Fokkers from the formation Lieutenant Kave succeeded in bringing it down in flames near Bantheille 17:10 (confirmed) to gain his second victory. A ten plane patrol of Fokkers attacked a flight of the squadron near Romagne at 15:50 and Lieutenant John W. Jeffers gained his first official victory by destroying a Fokker (confirmed).

 

2nd Air Park - Shops opened to service units of the First pursuit Group.

 

 

5 Oct 1918

GROUP - Battle Orders of the day indicated that the First Army was advancing along the entire front and that the American Air Service had obtained and maintained Air supremacy over the entire First Army Front. The orders of the day contained only the following instructions, "The air service will put forward great efforts to assist the troops on the ground by close cooperation with them, the same orders remaining in effect for October 6th. Time was changed back one hour at midnight to conform to time in use on other fronts. The following memorandum from the Chief of Air Service called for immediate action "A German balloon has been reported in ascension in the vicinity of St. Juvin which is marked with French Cocards. A German plane resembling a Spad and bearing French Cocards but with a white cross in the center of the black field instead of the usual blue center has been reported operating on our front".

 

 

6 Oct 1918

17th - A ten plane patrol dropped 20 bombs on Wambais and 20 bombs on Esnes 17:10. Many direct hits were observed in Wambais and a direct hit on the ammunition dump at Esnes. Lieutenant H.G. Shoemaker and George D. Wicks were killed in a collision in the air during this mission.

 

27th - Lieutenants Hudson, Vasconcelles and Hewitt destroyed a Fokker near Cuizy (confirmed) to provide Lieutenant Hewitt’s first, Lieutenant Hudon’s sixth and Lieutenant Vasconcelles’ fifth official victories. Lieutenant Nicholson was forced down near the Verdun field and Lieutenant Lennon forced down at Varbecourt, Lieutenant Dawson lead a forced landing on the Verdun field and Lieutenant McCubbin was forced down at Issoncourt.

 

94th - First Lieutenant Hamilton Coolidge gained his official victory by destroying a balloon near St. Juvin 10:50, (confirmed) which had been reported in ascension and bearing French cocards.

 

103rd - While on a low flying mission near Banthenville, Lieutenant Frank O’D Hunger observed a formation of Albatross and Fokkers attacking ground troops. He immediately attacked the formation and destroyed one Albatross which fell in the town oF Banthenville (confirmed).

 

147th - Several attacks on enemy balloon positions were carried out throughout the day, some with protection and some without. On one of the missions Lieutenant William Brotherton pumped one of the bags full of holes but his guns jammed before he could get in enough rounds to set it afire. Later in the day he again attacked this balloon and succeeded in setting it afire (confirmed). This was Lieutenant Brotherton’s second official victory. A large formation of Fokkers came across the lines, apparently to attack allied balloons but were driven back by Lieutenant Simonds and Parker who continued to harass the formation until it disappeared far within German territory.

 

GROU P - Instructions were issued to cease using fire extinguishers for the purpose of priming engines. During the course of the day, while attempting to extinguish a smal1 fire, the handler used a fire extinguisher which was filled with petrol and nearly caused a severe blaze. Instructions were also issued to drop American newspapers on the front line trenches for use of the troops who had not been relieved in some time due to the push. The captured German Honoveran airplane which had been set up by the Group for study was torn up by irresponsible persons seeking souvenirs.

 

 

7 Oct 1918

17th - A fourteen plane patrol dropped 44 bombs on Awoingt at 10:55 and 12 bombs on Couroir at 10:45.

 

185th - This squadron was organized as a night flying pursuit squadron and assigned the First Pursuit Group with the specific duty of maintaining a barrage against night flying enemy bombardment planes. Captain Seth Low as Commanding Officer reported to the Commanding Officer, First Pursuit Group, for assignment, The squadron was equipped with Sopwith Camels and Monosoupape engines.

 

GROUP - The Group was given the additional duty of escorting all photographic missions into German territory, regardless of the depth of penetration, the First Pursuit Group was to furnish special support.

 

 

8 Oct 1918

17th - A ten plane patrol dropped 32 bombs on a transport on Villers-en-Couchies and Cambria-lgwy road 12:30 to 12:45 and fired about 2300 rounds on the transport, scattering it and causing several heavy guns to be turned over. The Infantry of this column was disorganized and completely scattered. Motor driven cars on the railroad near Cambrai were bombed and about eight cars turned over. A horse transport was bombed, gunned and completely, scattered on the Igwy road. Ten plane patrol dropped 36 bombs on transports in and around Cambrai, Naves, Caudry, and Awoingt and fired about 3, 750 rounds into the same targets, resulting in many enemy casualties and much confusion. Lieutenant J. F. Campbell was forced down in the allied lines by engine trouble and Lieutenant Edgard G. White was wounded bv machine gun fire during the raid.

 

27th - While returning from patrol Lieutenant Cooper had forced landing near Villette.

 

GROUP - The First Army continued to advance in the Argonne Forest and the First Pursuit Group was given the additional detail of covering these troops, pemitting no enemy low-flying aircraft to make any attacks on their positions.

 

 

9 Oct 1918

17th - A thirteen plane, flight dropped 34 bombs on railroad in and around Awoingt, 12 bombs on Rieux and 10 bombs on cauroir 6:30 to 6:40, completely disrupting rail traffic. Five plane patrol under command of Major H. W. Fowler, Chief of Air Service with the British Expeditionary Forces, dropped 11 bombs on Rieux railroad sidings 13:20 causing numerous fires to break out.

 

27th - First Lieutenant Donald Hudson and Second Lieutenant Hollis A. Cross transferred to Evacuation Hospital #8 as a result of wounds received in combat with superior formation of Fokkers near Montfaucon.

 

94th - Captain Rickenbacker destroyed balloon near Marvaux 17:52 (confirmed) to gain his 20th official victory. During raid on enemy balloons near Marvaux Lieutenant Cook was driven off by heavy machine gun fire which shattered his propeller. He made a landing between the lines and dashed for the American lines under cover of infantry fire. His machine was completely destroyed by an artillery shot almost as soon as he stepped out of it. Lieutenant DeWitt’s machine was badly shot up by machine gun fire but he managed to glide it behind the American lines before it crashed in a shell hole.

 

95th - Lieutenant Knowles gained his second official victory by destroying a Fokker bi-place near Marvaux 17:00 (confirmed).

 

147th - A balloon strafing expedition sent out by the squadron could not locate any enemy balloons in ascension and emptied guns into enemy artillery positions on return to lines.

 

GROUP - The allied advance continued at all points along the line. Battle orders of the day directed that for 10 October the 1st Pursuit Group move forward with the movement of the front line and center its action on Romagne to Montfaucon.

 

 

10 Oct 1918

27th - A patrol composed of Lieutenants Vasconcelles, Hudson, Hewitt and White dove on two Fokkers crossing the lines near Gercourt with the apparent intention of attacking our balloon positions and drove both down near Gercourt about 8:50. A patrol which took off about 9:50 ran into a patrol of 12 to 14 Fokkers near the Metise but did not engage in combat. The Fokkers took several long range shots the patrol. At about 10:30 this patrol observed two allied balloons in flames east of the Meuse, and although the action was not in the sector assigned the squadron the patrol flew east but was too late to cut off the straffers. First Lieutenants Forrest Vooks, Harry H. Harkins (rejd fr hosp), Joseph Gwin, Jr. , Harry W. Elicelson, Robert H. Donaldson, and 2nd Lieutenant Frederick Bailey assigned the squadron

 

94th - In an early patrol Captain Rickenbacker observed the pilot of a Fokker which had gone down in flames in combat with an American unit, jump from his plane and save his life by use of a parachute. This was believed to be the first instance of this nature on the western front, although reports had been received of the use of parachutes, by the German pilots on the Italian front. During a patrol in the afternoon to cover balloon straffers the squadron ran into a flight of Fokkors near Doulcon, and in the engagement which followed Captain Rickenbacker destroyed two Fokkers at 15:50 for his 16th and 17th official victories; Captain Coolidge, and Lieutenant Palmer destroyed one near Clery-le-Petite 15:50 to gain their 7th and 2nd official victories; Lieut.Chambers destroyed a Fokker near Doulcon at 15:48 to score his 5th victory. First Lieutenants Duncan McKenzie, Linton A. Cox, Ben C. Jones, and Second Lieutenants Raymond Evitt and Henry B. Marshall assigned.

 

95th - First Lieutenant Lawrence H.Canon and Second Lieutenants Elmer C. Ranstrom and Dewitt D. Rathon (Ord Dept) assigned.

 

103rd - While engaged in a low straffing mission near Bantlieville First Lieutenants Warren E. Eaton and Livingston G. Irving were attacked by a flight of eleven one of which they destroyed (confirmed) and one of which they drove down out of Control. (conf) before they themselves were forced to retire from the combat. Lieutenants G. D. Larner, J. Waddell and C. H. Monroe attacked and destroyed a bi-place at St. Juvin (confirmed).

 

147th - While on patrol in the vicinity of Dullancourt Captain Meissner, Lieutenant O’Neill and Lieutenant Waters, a new pilot, destroyed a Fokker to provide the sixth official victories of Captain Meissner and Lieut.O’,Neill and Lieut.Water’s first victory. Lieutenant Brotherton engaged a rumpler but was driven off by five Fokkers conveying it., one Fokker he destroyed near Dun-Sur-Meuse was officially confirmed as his 3rd victory. Lieutenant Kenneth L. Porter also destroyed a Fokker near Dun-sur-Meuse, later confirmed as his 3rd official victory. While returning front the patrol the squadron sighted a Hanoveran high over the front, betrayed by anti-aircraft fire, and destroyed it. During an afternoon patrol the squadron was attacked by a superior patrol of Fokkers and forced to break into flights, the flight composed of Lieutenants White, Brotherton, O. B. Myers and K. L. Porter was detached from the squadron and set upon by a flight of Five Fokkers. In the engagement Lieutenant WhiLtL destroyed a Fokkei- (confirmed as his 6th victory) and together with Lieutenants Tyers and Porter attacked and destroyed a second Fokker to provide the 7th, 2nd and 4th official victories respectively. Lieutenant William Brotherton was killed in combat in this fight. Lieutenant Meissner’s flight had rnanaged to drive off the German flight and in following a Fokker Captain Meissner’s airplane caught fire. After sideslipping for several thousand feet he succeeded in extinguishing the flames with no more serious effect than loss of fabric on the lower wings, a menace he was thoroughly familiar with from his previous experiences on Nieuports. His predicament was observed by a flight from the 94th Squadron and they escorted the disabled airplane back to the airdrome. After breaking off combat with the German flight, Lieutenant White observed a newcomer, Lieutenant Cox who was being hard pressed by a German pilot on his tail and diving to the assistance of Cox, overshot and collided with the German plane. Both planes, White’ s and the German, went down flopping about and crashed near Verdun. First Lieutenant Bennett Wells assigned.

 

GROUP - Second Lieutenant Arthur L. Cunningham appointed Operations Officer relieving Second Lieutenant Romer Shawhan. Battle Orders of the day move the sphere of action of the lst Pursuit Group forward to Cunel-Sommerance and north.

 

 

11 Oct 1918

27th - While on a special Fission 15-10 to 23"30 Lieutenant Byron Bilderback liad a forced landing at the Verdun Field and Lieutenant Stewart had a forced landing in field near Vadelaincourt, both planes being damaged beyond repair.

 

94th - First Lieutenant Sigourney Thayer assigned.

 

GROUP - Battle orders of the lst Army directed that the Group attack all low flying enemy aircraft on the front Brieulles-SurME’use - Cunel - St. Juvin - Grand Pre. TI-ie Group was further directed to Maintain liaison between all corps air services and 1st Army headquarters

 

 

12 Oct 1918

103rd - Lieutenant C. H. Dolan destroyed Albatross at Fontaines (confirmed) and Lieut. J. Waddell destroyed Fokker at Fontaines (confirmed),

 

147th - F’irst Lieutenant James C. McAvoy assigned

 

GROUP Memorandum reference 180 horsepower Mercedes Fokker "it is interesting to note that from official tests a Fokker with 180 horsepower ‘Mercedes motor is not so good as a Camel, tested under similar conditions. It’s performance is as follows: Climbs to 10, 000 feet in 14 minutes; 15,000 feet in 30 minutes. Speed at 10, 000 feet 105 Miles per hour; at 15, 000 feet 93 miles per hour. Its maneuvering qualities are very good and it is very easy to handle.

 

 

13 Oct 1918

94th - Captain Hamilton Coolidge destroyed balloon near Andevanne 16:07 (confirmed). Major Maxwell Kirby assigned to squadron.

 

GROUP - Second Leiutenant Norbert D. Gorman transferred from 147th Squadron and assigned as Operations Officer relieving Lieutenant Arthur T. Cunningham.