LAFAYETTE ESCADRILLEA Photo History of the First American Fighter Squadron

“An extraordinary and compelling account of the eponymous Lafayette Escadrille, made up of volunteers who had served in WW1 and wanted to join the allied struggles in WW2." ― Books Monthly

The Lafayette Escadrille was an all-volunteer squadron of Americans who flew for France during World War I. One hundred years later, it is still arguably the best-known fighter squadron ever to take to the skies. In this work the entire history of these gallant volunteers—who named themselves after the Marquis Lafayette, who came to America’s aid during its Revolution—is laid out in both text and pictorial form. his work not only tells the fascinating story of the Lafayette Escadrille, it shows it.

Already a student of the squadron, the author spent a full year sifting through university and museum archives in the United States and France for photographs and documents relating to the famed unit. To complement these images, he traveled extensively, taking snapshots of existing markers and memorials honoring the men of the Lafayette Escadrille. In France, he specifically sought out locations where the squadron operated and its pilots frequented. In several cases, he was able to match his present-day color photos with contemporary images of the same scene, thus creating a jaw-dropping then-and-now comparison. To add even more color, the author included artwork and aircraft profiles by recognized illustrators, along with numerous full-color photographs of artifacts relating to the squadron's men and airplanes, as they are displayed today in various museums in the United States and France.

The result is undoubtedly the finest photographic collection of the Lafayette Escadrille to appear in print. Along with the expert text revealing air-combat experiences as well as life at the front during the Great War, it is a never-before-seen visual history that both World War I aviation aficionados and those with a passing interest in history will appreciate.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Prologue

1 A n All-American Idea Takes Shape
2 The Escadrille Américaine Is Born
3 First Blood
4 Into the Grinder
5 Season of Discontent
6 The Battle Continues
7 The Best and the Bravest
8 Misery in the Somme
9 Mac Goes West
10 The Heartbreak of Ham
11 Chaudun and Beyond
12 Hard Times at Senard
13 From Falcons of France to American Eagles
14 Aftermath

Epilogue
Appendices
Selected Bibliography
Archival Sources
Museums
Index

Steven A. Ruffin is an aviation writer and researcher who has previously written the books Aviation's Most Wanted and Flights of No Return, as well as numerous articles in aviation and military magazines. He also served as the Managing Editor of the prestigious World War I aviation journal Over the Front from 2007 through 2010.