Angels Defiant

Two American pilots above the Western Front

Accounts of the lives of the young men who flew and fought as pilots during the First World War-the first war of the air-are comparatively few in number. All are, of course, interesting and essential for preserving the historical record of these pioneering combat pilots. The rate of mortality among these brave young men was high and, indeed, the two accounts here both concern American pilots who were killed. Walcott joined the French air service and was assigned to Escadrille Spad 84 and was shot down in December of 1917 having gained one victory. Briggs Kilburn Adams' book is comprised of letters describing his experiences on the Western Front. He enlisted as a volunteer with the American Ambulance Service in France before transferring to the Royal Flying Corps in 1917. He was attached to No. 18 Squadron R. F. C and was killed in March 1918. Each of these accounts is short and this special Leonaur book brings them together in a single, good value edition that allows modern readers to own these vital works of aviation history.
Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.