Book Description

Written and published before the United States entered what would eventually be termed World War I. This book highlights airmen who flew dirigibles such as the Zepplin as well as stories of aerial combat such as that of the German ace, Oswald Boelke (19 May 1891-28 October 1916) and American Victor Chapman (April 17, 1890-June 24, 1916) who was the first American pilot to die in the war. "The defense of the Mexican border in 1916 offered the first opportunity for active service to the air men of the United States army..: (chapter 9, American air men under fire, page 187). "The first air men to fly under actual war conditions were also Americans. Several months before the outbreak of the Great War flights were made during the attack on Vera Cruz ... The American officers flew over the territory occupied by the Mexicans for upwards of twenty miles, bringing back valuable information as to the position of the enemy ..." (chapter 11, American Air Forces, page 223)