1st Pursuit Group History

October, 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.

AcePilots Main Page WWI Aces

1 Oct 1918

• 17th- A fifteen plane flight dropped 60 bombs on Awoingt 10:40 and observed severe explosions near German installations. An eleven plane flight dropped 44 bombs on Awoingt 17:40. Awoingt proved to be the dumping ground for the squadron whenever the mission could not find better targets or was forced into combat.
• 27th - During a patrol for the destruction of balloons 14:00 to 15:35 Lieutenant Stewart crashed at Issoncourt and Lieutenant Colton was forced down at Dombasle. At the Advanced Field, Lieutenant Vasconcelles reported an indecisive combat with a Fokker about 12:10. First Lieutenant Leslie E. Cooper and Second Lieutenant Percival T. Gates assigned.
• 94th - First Lieutenant Rickenbacker destroyed balloon near Purieux (confirmed) to gain his eleventh official victory. First Lieutenant Robert L. Collins and Cedric A. Smith assigned.
• 95th - First Lieutenant Archibald S. O’Neill and Frank Tillman ass! igned.
• 147th - First Lieutenant Charles E. Cox assigned.
• GROUP - The First Pursuit Group continued to be the only Army Air Unit operating over the First Army Front, performing observation missions, offensive patrols and balloon-straffing missions throughout the day.

• 17th - A fourteen plane patrol dropped 56 bombs on Awoingt at 9:10. While returning from patrol Lieutenant Vaughn and Patrick destroyed an orange colored LFW two-seater east of Awoingt at 9:15 (confirmed). Twelve plane patrol dropped 41 bombs on Awoingt at 15:30 and two bombs on Ambais. This patrol also machine-gunned a transport on the Wambaix-Cambrai road inflicting severe losses.
• 27th - The Squadron maintained continuous patrols over the lines and over the airdrome during the day without engaging in any combats.
• 94th - Lieutenant Rickenbacker destroyed a Rumpler near Clery-le-Grand 16:37 (confirmed) and with Lieutenant Chambers destroyed an LVG near Dannevoix at 17:07 to gain his 12th and 13th official victories. Near Vilosnes-sur-Meuse Lieutenant Chambers observed four Fokkers attacking an Ameican Spad and went to the assistance of the Spad and on his initial attack destroyed a Fokker, the remainder of the enemy formation scattered. The two victories gained by Lieutenant Chambers this date were his second and third official victories, Lieutenants Coolidge and Garnsey and Lieutenant Jones and Simonds of the 147th Squadron combined to destroy a Halberstadt near Bois-le-Ville 17:40. First Lieutenant Walter H. Parker relieved. The victories of Lieutenants Coolidge and Garnsey were their sixth and first respectively,
• 147th - Lieutenants Jones and Simonds gained their fourth official victories while flying with a flight of the 94th Aero Squadron which destroyed a Halberstadt near Bois-le-Ville
• 2nd Park Company - Redesignated 2nd Air Park and Second Lieutenant William H. Bleeker assigned as Commanding Officer.

• 17th - A fourteen plane formation dropped 51 bombs on Caudry and railroad sidings 7:35 stopping all rail traffic. Lieutenant E. D. White lost from formation and landed at Borest, near Senlis. Ten plane formation bombed railway yards at Caudry 15:01 again completely halting all traffic and damaging sidings and platforms to such an extent that no activity could pass through Caudry for the two following days.
• 27th - First Lieutenant Jerry C. Vasconcelles gained his fourth official victory by destroying a Fokker bi-place near Apremont (confirmed).
• 94th - Lieutenant Rickenbacker destroyed Fokker near Villenes 17:40 and with Lieutenant Coolidge destroyed a Halberstadt near Montfaucon at 17:30 (confirmed). Lieutenant Curtis also took part in the attack on the Halberstadt, which resulted in Lieutenant Rickenbacker’s 14th and 15th victories and Lieutenant Coolidge’s 2nd.

  In a balloon straffing mission assigned Lieutenants Cook, Coolidge and Crocker they were covered by an eight plane flight from each the 27th, 94th, 95th and 147th Squadrons. Lieutenant Cook destroyed a balloon near Grandpre 16:15 (confirmed) to gain his fourth official victory and Lieutenant Coolidge destroyed a balloon near Clery-le-Grant 16:36 (confirmed) to gain his third victory. On climbing away from the balloon Lieutenant Coolidge was attacked by a Fokker which had been protecting the balloon and he in turn shot down the Fokker near Dun-sur-Meuse at 16:39 (confirmed) for his fourth victory.

  Lieutenants Palmer, Sparks and Thorne C. Taylor destroyed a balloon near Grandpre (confirmed) at 16:15, being the first official victory of Lieutenant Palmer and Sparks and Lieutenant Taylor’s second. First Lieutenant Eugene P. Scroggie was shot down, wounded and taken prisoner in an engagement near Fullancourt 16:00.

• 95th - First Lieutenant Edward P. Curtis gained his fourth official victory while flying with a flight from the 94th Squadron. First Lieutenant Walter L. Avery was shot down and captured near Dullancourt 17:05.
• 147th - Lieutenants Jones, O’Neill and Simmonds destroyed a Halberstadt two-seater in flames near Bois-de-Montfaucon (unconfirmed).

• GROUP - The First Army continued to advance in the offensive of the Meuse-Argonne, all elements moving forward at 5:25. The mission of the First Pursuit Group remained the same, although the Second and Third Pursuit Groups were again active in covering the sector alloted to the First Army thereby reducing the number of patrols necessary from the First Group.
• 17th - An eleven plane patrol dropped 44 bombs on station and outgoing train at Caudry 11:30 and received heavy machine gun and archie fire in return. Lieutenant J. Donohoe had a forced landing at Villernes resulting in complete destruction of the airplane. A ten plane patrol bombed Awoingt 17:30 dropping 40 bombs and machine gunning important anti aircraft gun positions.
• 17th - First Lieutenant Elihu H. Kelton assigned. Poor visibility forced the patrols to fly very low and reduced their effectiveness.
• 95th - First Lieutenant Knowles destroyed a Fokker triplane near Dullancourt (confirmed) to gain his third official victory.
• 103rd - While leading a formation of four Spads, Lieutenant Larner’s flight was attacked by six Fokkers near Montfaucon. In the engagement which followed Lieutenant Larner destroyed one Fokker (confirmed) and the remainder of the enemy formation was forced to retire. While separated from his patrol in the vicinity of Ligny-devant-dun, First Lieutenant Frank O’D Hunter observed a patrol of seven American Breguets being attacked by a formation of ten Fokkers. He entered the engagement and succeeded in destroying one Fokker (confirmed) and then retired. He was then attacked by a formation of five Fokkers and succeeded in destroying one (confirmed) before being forced to return to his home airdrome.
• GROUP - All squadrons of the Group dropped the pamphlet "Stars and Stripes" on the front lines during the 16:00 patrols. Pilots were cautioned to observe the following:

  "While flying over the vicinity of Romagne-sur-Montfaucon which is 7 or 8 kilometers north of Montfaucon, luminous balls coming from the ground at great speed and with the regularity of ordinary tracer bullets passed on both sides of the plane at other times by one side. The bursts averaged about 20 balls each, From their appearance I would judge that the balls were larger than ordinary tracers. Anti-aircraft fire was active but inaccurate at the same time, which was about 6:25 27th September. My height was about 1200 to 1500 meters."

  Battle orders of the day indicated that the German Air Service after vainly attempting all day to gain control of the air was defeated everywhere along the First Army front. The following commendation was incorporated in the battle orders of the day "The work of all branches of the Air Service, both French and American, has been extremely severe, not only on account of the presence of the enemy in great numbers, but on account of the weather and poor visibility. In spite of these difficulties, the Air Services have shown a dash and readiness to meet every call made upon them, in a way to excite admiration from all who have witnessed the work."

• 17th - A fifteen plane patrol dropped 60 bombs on Awoingt at 9:00 and observed direct hits on railway stations, lines and on the largest building in town. The sheds near the railway station were set on fire by this bombardment.
• 27th - Lieutenant Colton Rowland and Nicholson and McKinnon had indecisive combats in the region of Montfaucon where eleven Fokkers were encountered. Lieutenant William S. McKinnon was slightly wounded in the engagement and evacuated to Evacuation Hospital No. 8, after reaching the airdrome where he made a splendid landing although suffering great pain. Lieutenant Cooper was forced down near Bethelainville and wrecked his plane in a shell hole on landing.
• 94th - While on patrol in the vicinity of Epinonville, a flight was attacked by a formation of seven Fokkers. Separating one of the Fokkers from the formation Lieutenant Kaye succeeded in bringing it down in flames near Bantheville 17:10 (confirmed) to gain his second victory. A ten plane patrol of Fokkers attacked a flight of the squadron near Romagne at 15:50 and Lieutenant John W. Jeffers gained his first official victory by destroying a Fokker (confirmed).
• 2nd Air Park - Shops opened to service units of the First Pursuit Group.

• GROUP - Battle Orders of the day indicated that the First Army was advancing along the entire front and that the American Air Service had obtained and maintained Air supremacy over the entire First Army Front. The orders of the day contained only the following instructions, "The air service will put forward great efforts to assist the troops on the ground by close cooperation with them, the same orders remaining in effect for October 6th. Time was changed back one hour at midnight to conform to time in use on other fronts. The following memorandum from the Chief of Air Service called for immediate action "A German balloon has been reported in ascension in the vicinity of St. Juvin which is marked with French Cocards. A German plane resembling a Spad and bearing French Cocards but with a white cross in the center of the black field instead of the usual blue center has been reported operating on our front."

• 17th - A ten plane patrol dropped 20 bombs on Wambais and 20 bombs on Esnes 17:10. Many direct hits were observed in Wambais and a direct hit on the ammunition dump at Esnes. Lieutenant H.G. Shoemaker and George D. Wicks were killed in a collision in the air during this mission.
• 27th - Lieutenants Hudson, Vasconcelles and Hewitt destroyed a Fokker near Cuizy (confirmed) to provide Lieutenant Hewitt’s first, Lieutenant Hudson’s sixth and Lieutenant Vasconcelles’ fifth official victories. Lieutenant Nicholson was forced down near the Verdun field and Lieutenant Lennon forced down at Varbecourt, Lieutenant Dawson lead a forced landing on the Verdun field and Lieutenant McCubbin was forced down at Issoncourt.
• 94th - First Lieutenant Hamilton Coolidge gained his official victory by destroying a balloon near St. Juvin 10:50, (confirmed) which had been reported in ascension and bearing French cocards.
• 103rd - While on a low flying mission near Banthenville (Bantheville?), Lieutenant Frank O’D Hunter observed a formation of Albatros and Fokkers attacking ground troops. He immediately attacked the formation and destroyed one Albatros which fell in the town of Banthenville (confirmed).
• 147th - Several attacks on enemy balloon positions were carried out throughout the day, some with protection and some without. On one of the missions Lieutenant William Brotherton pumped one of the bags full of holes but his guns jammed before he could get in enough rounds to set it afire. Later in the day he again attacked this balloon and succeeded in setting it afire (confirmed). This was Lieutenant Brotherton’s second official victory. A large formation of Fokkers came across the lines, apparently to attack allied balloons but were driven back by Lieutenant Simonds and Parker who continued to harass the formation until it disappeared far within German territory.
• GROUP - Instructions were issued to cease using fire extinguishers for the purpose of priming engines. During the course of the day, while attempting to extinguish a small fire, the handler used a fire extinguisher which was filled with petrol and nearly caused a severe blaze. Instructions were also issued to drop American newspapers on the front line trenches for use of the troops who had not been relieved in some time due to the push. The captured German Honoveran airplane which had been set up by the Group for study was torn up by irresponsible persons seeking souvenirs.

• 17th - A fourteen plane patrol dropped 44 bombs on Awoingt at 10:55 and 12 bombs on Couroir at 10:45.
• 185th - This squadron was organized as a night flying pursuit squadron and assigned the First Pursuit Group with the specific duty of maintaining a barrage against night flying enemy bombardment planes. Captain Seth Low as Commanding Officer reported to the Commanding Officer, First Pursuit Group, for assignment. The squadron was equipped with Sopwith Camels and Monosoupape engines.
• GROUP - The Group was given the additional duty of escorting all photographic missions into German territory, regardless of the depth of penetration, the First Pursuit Group was to furnish special support.

• 17th - A ten plane patrol dropped 32 bombs on a transport on Villers-en-Couchies and Cambria-Igwy road 12:30 to 12:45 and fired about 2300 rounds on the transport, scattering it and causing several heavy guns to be turned over. The Infantry of this column was disorganized and completely scattered. Motor driven cars on the railroad near Cambrai were bombed and about eight cars turned over. A horse transport was bombed, gunned and completely, scattered on the Igwy road. Ten plane patrol dropped 36 bombs on transports in and around Cambrai, Naves, Caudry, and Awoingt and fired about 3,750 rounds into the same targets, resulting in many enemy casualties and much confusion. Lieutenant J. F. Campbell was forced down in the allied lines by engine trouble and Lieutenant Edgard G. White was wounded by machine gun fire during the raid.
• 27th - While returning from patrol Lieutenant Cooper had forced landing near Villette.
• GROUP - The First Army continued to advance in the Argonne Forest and the First Pursuit Group was given the additional detail of covering these troops, pemitting no enemy low-flying aircraft to make any attacks on their positions.

• 17th - A thirteen plane flight dropped 34 bombs on railroad in and around Awoingt, 12 bombs on Rieux and 10 bombs on cauroir 6:30 to 6:40, completely disrupting rail traffic. Five plane patrol under command of Major H. W. Fowler, Chief of Air Service with the British Expeditionary Forces, dropped 11 bombs on Rieux railroad sidings 13:20 causing numerous fires to break out.
• 27th - First Lieutenant Donald Hudson and Second Lieutenant Hollis A. Cross transferred to Evacuation Hospital #8 as a result of wounds received in combat with superior formation of Fokkers near Montfaucon.
• 94th - Captain Rickenbacker destroyed balloon near Marvaux 17:52 (confirmed) to gain his 20th official victory. During raid on enemy balloons near Marvaux Lieutenant Cook was driven off by heavy machine gun fire which shattered his propeller. He made a landing between the lines and dashed for the American lines under cover of infantry fire. His machine was completely destroyed by an artillery shot alm! ost as soon as he stepped out of it. Lieutenant DeWitt’s machine was badly shot up by machine gun fire but he managed to glide it behind the American lines before it crashed in a shell hole.
• 95th - Lieutenant Knowles gained his second official victory by destroying a Fokker bi-place near Marvaux 17:00 (confirmed).
• 147th - A balloon strafing expedition sent out by the squadron could not locate any enemy balloons in ascension and emptied guns into enemy artillery positions on return to lines.
• GROUP - The allied advance continued at all points along the line. Battle orders of the day directed that for 10 October the 1st Pursuit Group move forward with the movement of the front line and center its action on Romagne to Montfaucon.

• 27th - A patrol composed of Lieutenants Vasconcelles, Hudson, Hewitt and White dove on two Fokkers crossing the lines near Gercourt with the apparent intention of attacking our balloon positions and drove both down near Gercourt about 8:50. A patrol which took off about 9:50 ran into a patrol of 12 to 14 Fokkers near the Metise but did not engage in combat. The Fokkers took several long range shots the patrol. At about 10:30 this patrol observed two allied balloons in flames east of the Meuse, and although the action was not in the sector assigned the squadron the patrol flew east but was too late to cut off the straffers. First Lieutenants Forrest Vooks, Harry H. Harkins (rejd fr hosp), Joseph Gwinn, Jr., Harry W. Elicelson, Robert H. Donaldson, and 2nd Lieutenant Frederick Bailey assigned the squadron.
• 94th - In an early patrol Captain Rickenbacker observed the pilot of a Fokker which had gone down in flames in combat with an American unit, jump from his plane and save his life by use of a parachute. This was believed to be the first instance of this nature on the western front, although reports had been received of the use of parachutes, by the German pilots on the Italian front.

  During a patrol in the afternoon to cover balloon straffers the squadron ran into a flight of Fokkers near Doulcon, and in the engagement which followed Captain Rickenbacker destroyed two Fokkers at 15:50 for his 16th and 17th official victories; Captain Coolidge, and Lieutenant Palmer destroyed one near Clery-le-Petit 15:50 to gain their 7th and 2nd official victories; Lieut. Chambers destroyed a Fokker near Doulcon at 15:48 to score his 5th victory. First Lieutenants Duncan McKenzie, Linton A. Cox, Ben C. Jones, and Second Lieutenants Raymond Evitt and Henry B. Marshall assigned.

• 95th - First Lieutenant Lawrence H. Canon and Second Lieutenants Elmer C. Ranstrom and Dewitt D. Rathon (Ord Dept) assigned.
• 103rd - While engaged in a low straffing mission near Bantheville First Lieutenants Warren E. Eaton and Livingston G. Irving were attacked by a flight of eleven, one of which they destroyed (confirmed) and one of which they drove down out of control (conf), before they themselves were forced to retire from the combat. Lieutenants G. D. Larner, J. Waddell and C. H. Monroe attacked and destroyed a bi-place at St. Juvin (confirmed).
• 147th - While on patrol in the vicinity of Dullancourt Captain Meissner, Lieutenant O’Neill and Lieutenant Waters, a new pilot, destroyed a Fokker to provide the sixth official victories of Captain Meissner, and Lieut. O’Neill and Lieut. Water’s first victory. Lieutenant Brotherton engaged a Rumpler but was driven off by five Fokkers conveying it. One Fokker he destroyed near Dun-sur-Meuse was officially confirmed as his 3rd victory. Lieutenant Kenneth L. Porter also destroyed a Fokker near Dun-sur-Meuse, later confirmed as his 3rd official victory. While returning from the patrol the squadron sighted a Hanoveran high over the front, betrayed by anti-aircraft fire, and destroyed it.

  During an afternoon patrol the squadron was attacked by a superior patrol of Fokkers and forced to break into flights. The flight composed of Lieutenants White, Brotherton, O. B. Myers and K. L. Porter was detached from the squadron and set upon by a flight of five Fokkers. In the engagement Lieutenant White destroyed a Fokker (confirmed as his 6th victory) and together with Lieutenants Myers and Porter attacked and destroyed a second Fokker to provide the 7th, 2nd and 4th official victories respectively. Lieutenant William Brotherton was killed in combat in this fight.

  Lieutenant Meissner’s flight had managed to drive off the German flight and in following a Fokker Captain Meissner’s airplane caught fire. After sideslipping for several thousand feet he succeeded in extinguishing the flames with no more serious effect than loss of fabric on the lower wings, a menace he was thoroughly familiar with from his previous experiences on Nieuports. His predicament was observed by a flight from the 94th Squadron and they escorted the disabled airplane back to the airdrome.

  After breaking off combat with the German flight, Lieutenant White observed a newcomer, Lieutenant Cox who was being hard pressed by a German pilot on his tail and diving to the assistance of Cox, overshot and collided with the German plane. Both planes, White's and the German, went down flopping about and crashed near Verdun. First Lieutenant Bennett Wells assigned.

• GROUP - Second Lieutenant Arthur L. Cunningham appointed Operations Officer relieving Second Lieutenant Romer Shawhan. Battle Orders of the day move the sphere of action of the lst Pursuit Group forward to Cunel-Sommerance and north.

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• 27th - While on a special Mission 15-10 to 23"30 (?) Lieutenant Byron Bilderback had a forced landing at the Verdun Field and Lieutenant Stewart had a forced landing in field near Vadelaincourt, both planes being damaged beyond repair.
• 94th - First Lieutenant Sigourney Thayer assigned.
• GROUP - Battle orders of the lst Army directed that the Group attack all low flying enemy aircraft on the front Brieulles-sur-Meuse - Cunel - St. Juvin - Grand Pre. The Group was further directed to maintain liaison between all corps air services and 1st Army headquarters

• 103rd - Lieutenant C. H. Dolan destroyed Albatros at Fontaines (confirmed) and Lieut. J. Waddell destroyed Fokker at Fontaines (confirmed).
• 147th - First Lieutenant James C. McAvoy assigned
• GROUP - Memorandum reference 180 horsepower Mercedes Fokker: "It is interesting to note that from official tests a Fokker with 180 horsepower Mercedes motor is not so good as a Camel, tested under similar conditions. Its performance is as follows: Climbs to 10,000 feet in 14 minutes; 15,000 feet in 30 minutes. Speed at 10,000 feet 105 miles per hour; at 15,000 feet 93 miles per hour. Its maneuvering qualities are very good and it is very easy to handle."

• 94th - Captain Hamilton Coolidge destroyed balloon near Andevanne 16:07 (confirmed). Major Maxwell Kirby assigned to squadron.
• GROUP - Second Lieutenant Norbert D. Gorman transferred from 147th Squadron and assigned as Operations Officer relieving Lieutenant Arthur T. Cunningham.

• 17th - A thirteen plane patrol dropped 51 bombs on Bazuel at 7:10. On the return from this raid Lieutenant Vaughn and Burdick attacked a Halberstadt and LVG. Due to the superior speed of the LVG it managed to climb away from the Americans but the Halberstadt was destroyed (confirmed RAF 29). A fifteen plane patrol dropped 55 bombs on transports in vicinity of Verchain and fired 3850 rounds into the transports and covering troops. Lieutenant H.C. Knotts forced to land due hit by anti-aircraft and was seen to get out of machine. Lieutenant Vaughn, Burdick and J. A. Myers attacked Fokker biplane on return flight and shot it down near Verchain (confirmed). This plane spun, straightened out and landed, after which Lieutenant Burdick dove on pilot and killed him by machine gun fire. (confirmed GI-10 RAF Communique 14 Oct).
• 27th - lst Lieutenant William J. Hoover, 2nd Lieutenant John Marschal and Edward H. Clouser relieved and transferred.
• 95th - Major David McK Peterson relieved and transferred. First Lieutenant John Mitchell assumed command First Lieutenant Charles M. Gravatt transferred.
• 103rd - Second Lieutenant William C. Appleton assigned.
• 147th - 2nd Lieutenant Edward H. Clouser assigned. 2nd Park Company - 2nd Lieutenant John H. Marschal assigned.

• 27th - 1st Lieutenant Corliss C. Moseley forced down due to engine trouble in vicinity of Verdun. Lieutenant Gates had forced landing at Verdun Field, smashing machine and was forced to return to squadron by motorcycle. Lieutenant Stewart had forced landing one kilometer from field due to engine trouble on take-off. Lieutenant Cooper damaged propellor on take-off and forced to return from patrol.
• 95th - First Lieutenant Augeriau C. Neizohn assigned. First Lieutenant Edwin L. Thomas trfd.
• 103rd - 1st Lieutenant Keene M. Palmer killed in action near Verdun and First Lieutenant Christopher W. Ford shot down in combat and taken prisoner.

• 103rd - lst Lieutenant Charles H. Dolan relieved from duty with squadron and ordered to return to the United States on a special mission. Second Lieutenant Loran B. Cockrell assigned.

• 27th - 1st Lieutenant Joseph M. Gwinn assigned. Three plane patrol attempted mission was forced to return due to inclimate weather.
• 94th - Master Signal Electrician Ernest Heller died at French Hospital #61 at Toulouse of injuries received in motorcycle accident, 29th August.
• 95th - First Lieutenant Clarence S. Gill relieved.
• 103rd - First Lieutenant B. Drummond Gannon relieved and transferred; First Lieutenants Martin F. McQuilken, Herbert B. Bartholf, John N. Koontz assigned.

• 94th - Lieutenants Cook, Kaye and Sherry destroyed Halberstadt over Exermont (confirmed) 15:35 to provide 5th, 3rd and 1st victories respectively.

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• 95th - Lieutenant Weatherhead destroyed Fokker over Exermont 15:30 to score his first official victory. Lieutenant Sumner Sewall while in the vicinity of Landres-et-St. Georges observed an American observation plane being fired upon by a Fokker. He immediately went to its assistance and after destroying the Fokker (unconfirmed) was attacked by 8 other Fokkers. By skillful maneuvering he managed to hold off the Fokkers until the observation plane had gained the American lines.
• 103rd - Captain Robert L. Rockwell relieved and Captain Robert Soubiran re-assigned and assumed command of squadron. Lieut. C. H. Faith destroyed Fokker near Immecourt (conf).
• 147th - In combat with flight of Fokkers near Brieulles, Second Lieutenant Cleveland W. McDermott destroyed two Fokkers (confirmed as 2nd and 3rd official victories) and was then shot down, seriously wounded and evacuated to Mobile Hospital No. 2.
• GROUP - The Group was ordered to rendezvous with 60 bombers of the 1st Wing at Bayonville 15:30 precise. All enemy aircraft were to be swept from the air before the rendezvous. 27th, 94^th, and 147th to establish high patrol and 95th to scour lines from Beaumont to Beffu from 15:30 to dusk to cover bombers and protect four squadrons of lst Wing carrying bombs and straffing infantry opposite Landres, St. George and Champeigneulle.

• 27th - Lieutenant Leo H. Dawson had indecisive combat with Halberstadt near Bantheville.
• 94th - Second Lieutenant Alan F. Winslow reported by American Red Cross to be prisoner of war at Reserve Lazarette #4, Trier, Germany, this was the first word received since his plane was seen to fall on the Marne, July 31st.
• 103rd - First Lieutenants Frank O’D Hunter and William T. Ponder destroyed Fokker near La-coix-aux-Bois (confirmed).
• 185th - First Lieutenants Elihu H. Kelton and Percival T. Gates, transferred from 27th Squadron; First Lieutenant George G. Waters transferred from 147th Squadron and 2nd Lieutenant Byron B. Norris transferred from 94th Squadron, and assigned.
• GROUP - Pilots of the First Pursuit Group traveled to the airdrome of the Second Pursuit Group,where the following officers were decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross by Major General Mason M. Patrick, Chief of Ai! r Service, A.E.F.

  Captain Edward V. Rickenbacker, 5 Citations
  Lieutenant James Meissner, 2 Citations
  Lieutenant Ralph O’Neill, 2 Citations
  Captain Alfred A. Grant
  Lieutenant Arthur H. Jones
  Lieutenant Kenneth S. Clapp
  Lieutenant Frederick W. Norton, killed in action, posthumously.

• Citations were read for Major David McK Peterson and Captain Douglas Campbell, absent on special mission to the United States. The following officers were absent:

  Lieutenant William L. Avery, prisoner of war
  Lieutenant Alan Winslow, prisoner of war
  Lieutenant Robert Raymond, prisoner of war
  Lieutenant John McArthur, missing in action

• 17th - Great Snow Owl adopted for insignia of squadron as drawn by Sergeant Hayden C. Kellum, replacing flying dumbbell which had been in use since beginning of operations. Word was received by the squadron that it was to be sent to service with the American Forces.
• 94th - 1st Lieutenant Frank G. Schroeder assigned.
• 95th - 1st Lieutenant Stanton Tiggins relieved. 1st Lieutenant Sigourney Thayer assigned.
• GROUP - General muster was held to apprehend stragglers. Lists of names of officers of the Group killed in action was submitted to the Navy Department for possible use in naming a group of new torpedo boat destroyers shortly to be launched in the United States.

• 27th - Lieutenants Bilderback and Vooks had forced landings near Verdun while on patrol, resulting in loss of aircraft.
• 103rd - Second Lieutenant Elwood S. Frymire transferred to 2^nd Pursuit Group
• GROUP - Orders were issued to all squadrons to locate hostile artillery which was holding up allied advance. Pilots were cautioned not to cut insignia out of crashed airplanes as it required a complete recovering job if airplane was repairable.

• 27th - 1st Lieutenant Signey White destroyed Fokker and balloon in vicinity of Bantheville 8:00 (confirmed), Lieutenant Byron Bilderback crashed in Spad near Avecourt.
• 94th - While on voluntary patrol near Bois-de-la-Cote-le-monte 16:10 Lieutenant Chambers was attacked by a formation of five Fokkers and succeeded in destroying two (confirmed as 6th and 7th victories) before he was driven into the American lines. Lieut. Rickenbacker destroyed Fokker near Clery-le-Petit 15:55 (confirmed as 18th official victory) Lieutenant Cook gained his fifth victory by destroying a balloon near Tailly 5:55 and Lieutenant Jeffers his second victory when he succeeded in shooting down a Fokker near Brieulles 15:45. First Lieutenant Raymond J. Saunders killed in combat near Brieulles 15:45.
• 95th - First Lieutenant Edward Curtiss gained his 6th official victory by destroying Fokker near Brieulles 15:50.
• 103rd - First Lieutenant H. M. Caudius Roberts transferred to 3^rd Pursuit Group.

  Squadron received following commendation:

  GENERAL HEADOUARTERS OF THE ARMIES OF THE NORTH AND NORTHEAST (DAN) Order No. 1080 "D" Personnel Bureau. (Decorations) After approval by the General Commander in Chief of the American Expeditionary Forces in France, the General Commander in Chief of the French Armies of the North and Northeast cites by Order of the Army: AMERICAN ESCADRILLE "LAFAYETTE" A brilliant organization which has in course of operations in Flanders, shown itself to be worthy of its glorious traditions. Without permitting itself to be affected by losses reaching a third of its effective force, it provided, in a difficult sector, perfect security for our Army Corps planes, a most thorough service of reconnaissance at both high and low altitudes and destroyed both near our lines, as well as at a great distance within the enemy’s territory a large number of German airplanes and captive balloons. At General Headquarters, October 22, 1918. The Commander in Chief: PETAIN (illegible) Lieutenant Colonel, Chief of Personnel Bureau

• 27th - Captain Grant had combat with Rumpler and succeeded in shooting off right wing at 8:45 near Bantheville. Rumpler had streamers 6 feet long on right wing and crashed in open field to right of woods (confirmed as third official victory). Lieutenants Colton, Stewart and Donaldson destroyed Halberstadt in region of Grandpre 9:10. This was the first official victory of all three officers. First Lieutenant Jerry C. Vasconcelles transferred to Air Service, 1st Army.
• 94th - Lieutenant Rickenbacker destroyed Fokker near LeGrande Carre Farme 17:05 to gain his 19th official victory.
• 95th - Lieutenant Lansing Holden destroyed a balloon near Grandpre and Lieutenants Holden and Curtis destroyed Fokker near Grandpre 17:05. This was Lieutenant Curtis’ 5^th and Lieutenant Holden’s 2nd and 3rd victories.
• 103rd - Lieutenants Hunter and Payne destroyed Fokker at Dun-sur-Meuse and Lieutenant W. T. Ponder! destroyed Fokker near Fontaines.
• GROUP - Instructions issued that low flying enemy airplanes must at all costs be stopped from attacking our advancing troops.

• 17th - Three plane patrol dropped 12 bombs on Landrecies 12:05.
• 27th - Lieutenant Corliss C. Moseley on balloon straffing mission forced to land at Forisdos account heavy fog 17:30.
• GROUP - 2nd Lieutenant Osric M. Watkins died enroute to join Group.

• 17th - While on offensive patrol near Mormal Forest Lieutenant Burdick left formation at 10:55 and attacked leading Fokker of formation of five. Fokker fell out of control, spun and burst into flames before striking ground (confirmed RAF 25 Oct.)
• 27th - "B" Flight returned to Rembercourt as advanced field at Verdun was shot to pieces. During stay at field and while operating as a separate squadron, this flight was shelled several times and two machines were destroyed in the hangars by shell fire.
• 103rd - First Lieutenant Rufus K. Goodenow assigned.

• 27th - Lieutenant Stewart forced to land at Formerville, Lieutenant Bailey forced to land at Bethelainville. Lieutenant Cooper fired at leader of patrol of eight Fokkers 16-05 but could not observe effect fire account of mist. After firing 100 rounds at this Fokker Lieutenant Cooper attacked another Fokker which appealed to go down out of control near the River Meuse (conf). Lieutenant Cooper was forced to land in German territory with motor and flying controls shot away but managed to worm his way back through the wire to the American lines after no effort was made to stop him. Lieutenant Colton destroyed Fokker near Grandpre 16:50 which was confirmed as his second victory.
• 147th - Patrol of six planes at 15:10 encountered large formation of Fokkers in region of Dannevoix and 2nd Lieutenant Meredith L. Dowd was killed in action. This was the last combat casualty of the 147th Squadron.

• 27th - Lieutenant Moseley had forced landing at Rembercourt. Lieutenant Donaldson flying in the vicinity of Long Grange fired 80 rounds at the rear man of a formation of five Fokkers but could not observe effect of fire as formation turned and drove him off. 2nd Lieut. Royal H. Bosshard, Ordnance Department, assigned.
• 94th - Captain Rickenbacker destroyed Fokker near Grandpre 14:50 and one near Bois-de-Money 15:05 to gain his 21st and 22nd victories. While leading a protection patrol near Grand Pre 14:55 Captain Coolidge led his formation to the assistance of two allied reconnaissance planes which were being attacked by a flight of Fokkers. After driving the Fokkers off the formation was forced to pass through a heavy antiaircraft barrage and Captain Coolidge’s plane was struck and crashed in flames within the German lines.
• 95th - 1st Lieutenant Lansing Holden destroyed Fokker near Grand Pre 15:00, confirmed as his seventh official victory.
• 103rd - 1st Lieutenant George W. Furlow destroyed Fokker near Le Morthomme
• 185th - 1st Lieutenant George A. Ewing, Jr., Cavalry, killed in airplane accident near Verdun.
• GROUP - All available airplanes of the 27th, 94th and 95th Squadrons ordered to clear the way for two squadrons of lst Pursuit! Wing, straffing troops at La Northomme 14:45 and to cover approach of the Day Bombardment Group in raid on Briquenay 15:00.

• 27th - Lieutenant Gwinn had forced landing at Neuville demolishing plane.
• 147th - 1st Lieutenant Thomas E. Pope transferred from Group Headquarters. Lieutenant James Meissner destroyed balloon near Bantheville 17:40 to gain credit for his eighth official victory.
• 1st Park Company redesignated 1st Air Park. 2nd Park Company redesignated 2nd Air Park. 4th Park Company redesignated 4^th Air Park.

• 17th - Following letter reference work of 17th Aero Squadron, written to Chief of Air Service by the General Officer Commanding the British Royal Air Force:

• GENERAL HEADQUARTERS BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCES 29 Oct. 1918, Dear General Patrick: Now that the time has come when No. 17 and 148 Squadrons return to you, I wish to say how magnificently they have carried out their duties during the time they have been lent to the British aviation. Every call has been answered by them to the highest degree, and when they have arrived with you, you will have two highly efficient squadrons filled with the offensive spirit. I should like to recommend, if you agree, that they be fitted with SE 5 Machines. Their formation flying is good, and I consider this type of machine would suit them. Yours sincerely, J, M. SALMOND, General Officer Commanding R.A.F.

• 27th - Lieutenant McCubbin had forced landing at Fort Gegonicourt.
• 94th - Lieutenant Kaye destroyed Fokker near St. Georges 8:52 confirmed as his 4th official victory. First Lieutenant Edward G. Garnsey killed in combat over Exermont 16:55. This was the last combat casualty of the 94th Aero Squadron.
• 17th- Captain James Meissner destroyed Fokker near Exermont 16:55 confirmed.

• 185th - Second Lieutenant Harry L. Land and Frederick E. Little transferred from 27th Aero Squadron.
• 17th - The following commendation was received from the Air Minister, Royal Air Force, and was read to the assembled squadron by General Longcroft, R.A.F., commanding the 65th British Wing: Headquarters, Third Army, British, Expeditionary Forces

  30th October, 1918, Dear Longcroft: Will you please convey to the Commanders and all ranks of the 17th and 148th American Squadrons my sincere appreciation of their excellent and valuable work with the Third Army, and thank them very warmly for so cordially responding to all calls made upon them. I greatly regret their departure and wish them every luck J. BYNG

• 27th - Lieutenant McCubbin failed to return from 15:30 to 16:45 patrol.
• 94th - Captain Rickenbacker destroyed Fokker at St. Juvin 16:35 and balloon at Remonville 16:40 to gain 23rd and 24th official victories. Lieutenant Harvey Weir Cook attacked three LVG’s near Crepion and succeeded in destroying one near Chaumont-de-vant-Danvillers 8:30 which was confirmed as his 7th official victory
• 95th - Lieutenant Lansing C. Holden destroyed balloon at Aincreville 15:45 to gain his 4th victory.
• 103rd - While on patrol Lieutenant H. B. Bartholf and William T. Ponder were attacked near Aincreville by five Fokkers. In a running engagement they succeeded in shooting one Fokker down near Bois de Barricourt (confirmed) and managed to regain our lines. Second Lieutenant George A. Orr transferred to 2^nd Pursuit Group.
• 147^th While leading a patrol Lieutenant James A. Healy became separated from his flight in the region of Grand Pre and discovered an enemy Halberstadt performing artillery reglage (?) work. He immediately attacked the Halberstadt and succeeded in bringing it down, at which time he was attacked by two Fokkers from above. He managed to destroy one Fokker near St. Juvin 16:00 and the other Fokker fled to the German side of the lines. These two victories were Lieutenant Healy’s 4^th and 5^th.
• GROUP - The Chief of Air Service, 1^st Army, and Staff, inspected the Group and attached units 13:00 to 16:00 this date. On the conclusion of the inspection, each squadron performed such formation missions as were possible with the airplanes in commission.

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• 17th - General Longcroft, Commanding 65^th British Wing, R.A.F. visited squadon to say goodbye. After a formal inspection the General entertained informally all enlisted men and officers of the squadron, recalling incidents which had occurred during the time the squadron was under his control, especially when the squadron moved from Petite Snythe, which move was unkown to the Germans, when the 211^th squadron was awakened at dawn by repeated bursts of machine gun fire from the air. Some ran out and beheld a solitary Fokker diving again and again, firing from close to the ground, burst after burst into our empty shacks and hangars, in imitation of our raid on their airdrome at Varsennaere.

  Again he recalled the feat of the squadron in the offensive patrol of the 12^th of August when the squadron had escorted 211 Squadron over Ostend to their perpetual target, submarine shelters, marine works and docks at Bruges. In the melee on the way home Lieutenants Armstrong, Snoke and Alderman were wounded, Lieutenant Armstrong’s wounds being serious, and he had barely sufficient strength to get back to the field where on landing he set down on the back of a DH-9 waiting to take-off. The bullet which had wounded Alderman had gone through the petrol tank, wounded him where he "sat" convincing him he was mortally wounded. He succeeded in gliding west of the lines making the beach a mile beyond Nieiuport and was not heard from for some time. The Belgians had captured him as a, "Suspicious character."

  Then again he recalled the visit of his Majesty, King George V, to the hospital known as "Queen Alexandria Hospital" which stood not far from our airdrome near the little French fort from which antiaircraft batteries fired as many as 600 rounds per night at the relays of Gothas that went overhead on the way to Dunkirk and Calais. Lieutenants Armstrong and Alderman were in this hospital during the visit and as the King was casual came down the ward, very simplv, with a word for every wounded man, an expression of interest, a touch of sympathy. When he reached Lieutenant Snoke, he said, "Ah, some Americans." "I hope you are quite alright. I see you were wounded in the head." Then to Armstrong "How are you and where were you wounded?" Lieutenant Armstrong answered "In the back and arm, your Majesty." Finally he reached Alderman with another "And where were you wounded?" Alderman had a moment of self-consciousness but his quick-witted reply was "Over Ostend, your Majesty." The ! King understood and a smile of delighted amusement spread over his face and the faces of the officers of his staff. Alderman’s wound from that moment became a public possession and it’s exact location was always thereafter referred to as "Over Ostend," for had not a King understood?

• 27th - Lieutenant R. W. Rowland gained his second victory by destroying Rumpler near Cunel (confirmed). Lieutenant and Gwinn attacked by six Fokkers in region of Bantheville between 12:42 and 12:45 and after firing a few shots dove for home. Lieutenant Gwinn landed with badly shot up airplane Lieutenant Vooks injured in crash on airdrome and evacuated to hospital. Lieutenant Sidney White seriously injured in crash and subsequent fire of Spad he was ferrying to squadron from depot.
• 14th - Lieutenant Palmer destroyed Halberstadt at Foret- De-Boult, 9:05 to gain his third victory
• GROUP - Battle orders of the 1st Army, placing the lst Pursuit Group under the administration of the 1st Pursuit Wing, detailed the squadrons of the Group to flying duty covering the advance of the Army over its entire front, denying low flying enemy aircraft the area, and protecting our balloons and Corps Observation Airplanes. The Group was further detailed the duty of liaison with the Antiaircraft Artillery and other units of the 1st Army Air Service. The night flying squadron of the Group (the 185th) was ordered to continue its operations against enemy night bombing airplanes.

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