LAFAYETTE ESCADRILLE, THE

The idea of forming this famous flying squadron originated with Norman Prince, an American living in France, and Elliot Cowden, and William Thaw a isted in its foundation. It was composed of American aviators and some from the Foreign Legion, and was organized on April 16, 1916, at Luxeuil (Upper Saone) with George Thenault as captain. The Hscadrille was transferred to the American Army January 1, 1918. The first active service of the squadron was at Verdun, where it was engaged in 146 fights and defeated 13 enemy aeroplanes. In the Vosges, and on the Somme, and at the recapture of Mort Homme and Hill 304, the Escadrille performed valuable services. In the course of the war 11 of the 42 pilots were killed.