The 1st Pursuit Group
Compilation Courtesy of SSgt John DesHetler, 1st Fighter Wing History Office, Langley AFB, VA |
World War One
During World War I, the American Expeditionary Force included pilots who would fly alongside their European counterparts in reconnaissance, escort, and eventually, combat missions. The United States had not kept pace in aviation technology with England, France and Germany, and the U.S. Army was not equipped with sufficient aircraft for combat. Therefore, American units primarily flew French built aircraft.
On 16 January 1918, Brig. General Benjamin D. Foulois, Chief of Air Service, AEF, ordered an Army officer by the name of Major Bert M. Atkinson to organize this band of American aviators into the 1st Pursuit and Organization Center. This entity would inherit five aero squadrons: the 94th, 95th, 147th, 185th, and the Air Force's oldest fighter squadron--the 27th. On 5 May 1918 the AEF evolved the 1st Pursuit and Organization Center at Gencoult, France, into the first American group-level fighter organization, the 1st Pursuit Group; precursor to today's 1st Fighter Wing. Major Bert Atkinson remained commander but his title became, Commander, 1st Pursuit Group.
During their combat in Europe, the pilots of the 1st Pursuit Group primarily flew Spads and Nieuport 28s. From May until the November 11th armistice, the Group recorded 1,413 aerial engagements, accumulating 202 confirmed kills on enemy aircraft, and 73 confirmed balloon victories. For its participation, the 1st received seven campaign credits. Many aviation pioneers and legends served with the 1st Pursuit Group in France. A total of four recipients earned the Medal of Honor for actions during World War I. Two of those were the most prolific pilots assigned the 1st Fighter Wing; 2Lt Frank Luke Jr. and 1Lt. Edward V. "Eddie" Rickenbacker.
Nicknamed the "Arizona Balloon Buster," Frank Luke was known as one of the most dangerous pilots in the Group.The 27th Aero Squadron ace specialized in fearlessly attacking enemy balloons. During a 17-day period, Luke shot down 18 balloons and four enemy aircraft. On what became his final mission, Lieutenant Luke shot down two aircraft and three balloons, before his aircraft was hit by enemy fire. Upon descent, Luke strafed a German unit, followed by a forced landing. As German troops attempted to capture him, he drew his pistol, and died in the ensuing gun battle.
Eddie Rickenbacker had a more scientific and methodical approach to his flying. His style of engagement resulted in being heralded as America's "Ace of Aces." The 94th Aero Squadron pilot scored 26 kills, more than any American pilot.
At one time, the 27th Aero Squadron led the 94th by six confirmed kills.Known as a great motivator, Rickenbacker led the 94thwith a prophetic quote, "no other American squadron at the front would ever again be permitted to approach our margin of air supremacy." Leading by example, on the day he took command, Rickenbacker flew in the mission that earned him the Medal of Honor. While on voluntary patrol over French lines, he single-handedly dove upon and attacked seven enemy aircraft (five Fokkers and two Halberstadts.) Rickenbacker scored kills on two of the planes, causing the retreat of the remaining five.
On 10 November 1918, Maj Maxwell Kirby of the 94th recorded the last aerial victory of the "Great War." The next day, Germany signed the Armistice, ending four years of brutal warfare.
1919-1941
The end in hostilities brought upon the Air Service a massive reduction in personnel and the inactivation of many units. Preserved through such changes was the 1st Pursuit Group when on 22 August 1919, the War Department reorganized it at Selfridge Field, Michigan.
With the exception of the period covering August 1919 to July 1921 when the group moved to Kelly and Ellington Fields in Texas, the Group was based at Selfridge where it remained until tensions in Europe erupted into World War II. The Group honed their fighter tactics that became valuable experiences for the aerial engagements of the Second World War during these inter-war years. The Group also participated in activities ranging from air races and testing new aircraft, to delivering the mail under orders from President Franklin Roosevelt.
On 21 January 1924, the Adjutant General approved the 1st Pursuit Group's emblem. The emblem was designed with the unit's history in mind. The green and black colors represented the colors of the Army Air Service, the five stripes signified the original five flying squadrons, and the five crosses symbolized the five major World War I campaigns credited to the Group. A crest above the shield bore the Group's Latin motto "Aut Vincere Aut Mori", translated: Conquer or Die. In 1957, the emblem was revised, as the crest was removed, and the motto placed in a scroll beneath the shield.
Whatever morale boost was given to the Group as a result of the approved emblem was challenged by the deplorable conditions experienced during their cold weather missions in the Dakotas where aircrews endured bitter cold and stubborn engines. Such conditions dictated the use of skis in place of wheels for their landing gear and plumbers fire pots to warm the engines enough to start. Eventually the 95th and 17th Squadrons transferred from the Group. In their place, on 1 January 1941, the 71st Pursuit Squadron joined the 27th and 94th as the fighting units of the 1st Pursuit Group.
Nicknamed the "Arizona Balloon Buster," Frank Luke was known as one of the most dangerous pilots in the Group.The 27th Aero Squadron ace specialized in fearlessly attacking enemy balloons. During a 17-day period, Luke shot down 18 balloons and four enemy aircraft. On what became his final mission, Lieutenant Luke shot down two aircraft and three balloons, before his aircraft was hit by enemy fire. Upon descent, Luke strafed a German unit, followed by a forced landing. As German troops attempted to capture him, he drew his pistol, and died in the ensuing gun battle.
