1st Pursuit Group History

May through July, 1918

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

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

Edited by Stephen Sherman, the webmaster of this website, AcePilots.com.

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These months, May through July, included Jimmy Meissner stripping the fabric off his Nieuport's wing in a dive, the death of Raoul Lufbery, and the arrival of Frank Luke & Joe Wehner with the 27th Aero Squadron. Eddie Rickenbacker continued to shoot down German planes.

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.

• 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 Leffrincheucke via Bay Dunnes, Flanders, where it was assigned to Detachment of the Army of the North and Northeast (DAN).

• 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 biplane. 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.

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

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

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• 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 Head as a distinctive insignia for distinguished services rendered while with the IVth and VIth French Armies.

• 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

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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. First Lieutenant James A. Healy slightly injured in crash of Nieuport type XXVIII on landing from patrol, but airplane was completely demolished.

• 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.

• 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 Hunter Liggett, Commanding 1st Army Corps, A.E.F., Major General Edwards, Commanding the 26th 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 Croix-de-Guerre. The decorations were awarded at 1:00 PM in the presence of two companies of French Infantry, 2 companies of the 26th 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.

• 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.

• 94th - Lieutenant Edward Rickenbacker engaged three enemy Albatros 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.

• 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 Anheuser 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 Albatros and a bi-place Rumpler and saw the Albatros go down in flames near Verdun. (unconfirmed).

• 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. He 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 H. Eastman had a forced landing at Menil-le-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, Lufbery 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.

• 17th - Headquarters Flight relieved from 22nd Wing, R.A.F. and established as separate organization. The Headquarters Flight in five weeks had salvaged 25 enemy planes and fourteen British planes. "A" Flight was relieved from the 84th Squadron, "B" 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 Harvard 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.

• 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 Hill engaged in indecisive combats with enemy scouts. While returning from a voluntary patrol Lieutenant Alan Winslow made a forced landing between Menil-le-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.

• 94th - 1st Lieutenants Edward Rickenbacker and Douglas Campbell engaged an Albatros near Flirey and destroyed it. (confirmed). 1st Lieutenant Paul B. Kurtz killed in combat with 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 Commercy-St. Mihiel, attempted to dive thru the protecting flight to attack the photographic machine. Alone, he engaged five German biplanes 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. 1st 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.

• 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.

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

• 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.

• 94th - While leading a formation of three planes, Lieutenant Douglas Campbell observed a flight of DH'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 confirmed. 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 airplane out of control (unconfirmed) before being seriously wounded by an 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, Buford 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.

• 94th - lst Lieutenant Edward V. Rickenbacker destroyed an Albatros near St. Baussant (confirmed) and one near Flirey (Unconfirmed).
• 95th - 1st Lieutenants John A. Hambleton 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 2,000 meters and the remaining two at 2,500 meters. Lieutenant Hambleton 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.

• 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.

• 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 Albatros 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 Albatros 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 Albatros near Jaulny (confirmed). Lieutenants Hambleton and Buckley destroyed a Pfalz near Jaulny (unconfirmed) and in the engagement Lieutenant Wilfred V. Casgrain while diving after an Albatros 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.

• 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 O. Parry who had a forced landing at Morincourt and who proceeded on the following day, and one flown by Lieutenant James A. Healy which crashed and was destroyed at Void.

• 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 Colombey-les-Belles.
• 103rd - 1st Lieutenant George Turnure 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.

• 27th - First patrol of four officers of the squadron under command of Lieutenant Taylor of the 95th Squadron from 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 Heinrichs 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.

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• 95th - 1st Lieutenant Royal U. St. John transferred to 1st Air Depot at Commercy. Lieutenants Heinrichs and Richards destroyed an Albatros 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.

• 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-le-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 Sewall 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.

• 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 Zenos 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.

• 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. Capt. Kenneth Marr assumed command. Lts. Meissner and Campbell engaged and destroyed a Rumpler Bi-place between the lines near Eply (confirmed) and during the combat Lt. Campbell was slightly wounded, Lt. 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 was 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.

• 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. 1st 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 from 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 Lieutenant 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."

• 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 Hudson landed at Vaucouleurs Airdrome at 20:40 with broken wheel.

• 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.

• 27th - Three protection patrols by the squadron to cover photographic missions by Spads of the1st American Observation Squadron,
• 103rd - Squadron moved from Leffrincheucke to Crochte, Belgium.

• 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,

• 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 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 of Albatros 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).

• 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.

• 27th - Three protection patrols by the squadron to cover photographic missions by Spads of the 1st American Observation Squadron.
• 103rd - Squadron moved from Leffrincheucke to Crochte, Belguim.

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

• 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,

• 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 Albatros 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).

• 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.

• 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."

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• 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.

• 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. Hartney 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 from 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.

• 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.

• 94th - Squadron moved from Toul to Touquin, (Melon Field) by motor lorry,
• 147th - Squadron moved from Toul to Touquin, by motor lorry.

• 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 Sumner 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 the 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 Cambrai Area, consisting of 23rd (Bavarian), 25th (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 Siemens-Schuckert planes, performance of which is unknown.
  • Loerzer 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.

• 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.

• 103rd - Squadron moved to Toul under orders l250 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.

• 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 Thom 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.

• 27th - 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 MacArthur, 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 O. Parry and Cleveland W. McDermott each destroyed one Pfalz each which was unconfirmed. Lieutenants John H. Stevens, Cleveland W. McDermott, Maxwell O. 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 VIth French, Army: "Yesterday's attack was a complete success. The protection given by the First Pursuit Group, U.S.A. was very good. We are informed that one American plane fell one kilometer west of Pavant. Pilot Wounded."

• 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."

• 17th - The Squadron celebrated the day by holding 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 (ed. note - most other sources spell it "Vasconcells") 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

• 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).

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

• 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 Chateau-Thierry (confirmed).

• 27th - Squadron moved from Touquin to Saints to establish a new airdrome.
• 94th - Patrol of three planes, lst Lieutenant Rickenbacker, Green and Loomis, destroyed enemy bi-place near Chateau-Thierry (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 O. Parry lost formation and was killed in combat near Dormans.
• GROUP - General inspection by Inspector General. Group received orders to prepare to move at 9:30 9th July.

• 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.

• Air Park No. I - Established as Mobile Park No. 1, Six kilometers West of Coulomiers.
• 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.

• 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).

• 27tb - One protection patrol of thirteen planes to protect Salmson Photo plane of First Aero Squadron. 1st Lieutenant Ivan A. Roberts had forced landing at Le-Ferte and 1st Lieutenant Frederick I. 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.

• 360th - The squadron was lightered off the Grant and marched to Pontanezen Barracks Rest Camp.
• GROUP - General Liggett visited the Group to observe the state of the training of the units.

• 95th - 1st Lieutenant Quentin T. Roosevelt shot down in flames near Chateau-Thierry by Sergeant Thom of the Richtofen Circus.
• 360th - Entrained at Brest, France, for St. Maizent. France,
• GROUP - All .30 calibre 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.

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• 17th - The Squadron performed its first offensive 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 Chateau-Thierry (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.

• 27th - One Sopwith Camel was assigned as a replacement. The Squadron still held out hopes of receiving the promised Spads. 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 Zenos 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 19:25 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 Squadron and assigned.

• 95th - First Lieutenants Grover C. Vann and Edward P. Curtiss each destroyed a Fokker in the vicinity of Chateau-Thierry 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-Haye and shot down three planes, one of which was confirmed.
• 147th - While on patrol in the vicinity of Epiez, 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 PM 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.

• 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).

• 27th - During a ten plane protection patrol First Lieutenants Schmidt and Jason S. Hunt had forced landings at Chapell-sur-Sezy and Noirlius respectively resulting in the loss of two machines, although the pilots were uninjured.
• GROUP - First Lieutenant Frederick I. 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 Breguets with French and American Markings which have been firing on troops and balloons during the past few days.
• 95th - During a voluntary patrol First Lieutenant Edward Buford reported the destruction of an Albatros bi-place near Sezy (unconfirmed).

• 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 H. Dawson destroyed a bi-place near Oulchy (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 Zenos 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 Oulchy-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).

• 27th - During a patrol of five planes, First Lieutenants Leo H. Dawson and Ivan A. Roberts, destroyed an Albatros 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 Zenos 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 information 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 Army 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

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

• 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 its movements to outsiders.

• 27th - First Lieutenant Fredrick 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. Herron, 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.

• 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 Albatros (confirmed).

• 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 Maloney assigned.
• 95th - First Lieutenant Norman S. Archibald and Second Lieutenants George B. Bailey 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, Heinrichs 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,

• 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.

• 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 Vaucouleurs, France.

• 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.

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

• 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 Ca! tes 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.

Nieuport Aces of World War I, by Norman Franks Another of the Osprey Aircraft of the Aces series, the second World War One topic. Forty colorful profile plates. Wonderful original period photos, including two of Albert Ball that I have never seen elsewhere. Two lengthy chapters on British and French aces. The book covers many aces with fewer than 15 kills, so it goes beyond the famous aces like Ball, Nungesser, Guynemer, and Rickenbacker. It covers the varieties of the Nieuport (11, 17, 28, etc.) in detail, down to the machine gun on the Type 11: a Lewis gun, of .303 caliber, carrying 476 rounds in its drum, and was mounted on the upper wing by a "Foster" mount, so named for the RFC sergeant who invented it. Buy 'Nieuport Aces of World War I' at Amazon.com


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