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Lafayette Escadrille Research Paper

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The Lafayette Escadrille was a squadron in the French Air Force composed of American volunteer pilots. Early during World War I many Americans were interested in joining the French Air Service. This unique squadron created a way for Americans to fight in the war prior to the entrance of the United States into the war. They would experience multiple victories and suffer a significant amount of casualties, but they would be remembered as one of the elite French Air Force Squadrons during World War I. The squadron was named in honor of Marquis de Lafayette, who was a hero of the American Revolution. Although no single person can be credited with the founding of the squadron, Dr. Edmund Gros, Norman Price, and William Thaw were the leaders in an effort that would persuade the French government into allowing an American …show more content…

There would be a total of one hundred and seven American volunteers, and they would be called the Lafayette Flying Corps. Of the thirty-eight that flew as member of the Lafayette Escadrille only nine had previous flying experience and thirty of these men held college degrees, nine of them coming from Harvard University. It was educated Americans that traveled to France to participate in this war and aid in the success and victory of the Allies prior to the United States entrance into the war. These men would receive their flight training after arriving in France, training that was unique but effective. Fifteen American pilots would earn their brevet, commission, on Bleriots and sixteen earned their brevet on the Caudron G-3 airframe, while the last seven member were taught on various airframes. After completing their training they would be authorized to participate in air battles during World War I, the original seven members would see their first air combat in May

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