Hostile Skies : A Combat History of the American Air Service in World War I

by HUDSON JAMES J.

• ISBN13: 9780815604655
• ISBN10: 0815604653
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1997-01-01
• Publisher: Syracuse Univ Pr

Summary

From April to November 1918, the American Air Service grew from a poorly equipped, unorganized branch of the U.S. Expeditionary Forces to a fighting unit equal to its opponent in every way. Hostile Skies details the actual battle experiences of the men and boys who made up the service squadrons at the front - Raoul Lufbery, Elliott Springs, Fiorello La Guardia, and, of course, Rickenbacker. In addition, several chapters are devoted to the background problems of the infant U.S. air arm, its training, and organization. Combining a straightforward historical exposition with a colorfully written narrative based on eyewitness accounts, James J. Hudson draws on information from his research in the National Archives, USAF Historical Division Archives, unit histories, and reports enhanced by his personal correspondence with many of the survivors of the "war to end wars". This book will be read by all who are interested in this little-documented aspect of the Great War.

Table of Contents

Foreword	vii	(2)
Acknowledgments	ix	(4)
Illustrations	xiii	(1)
Maps	xiv	(1)
Tables	xiv
I The Eagle Struggles to Take Wing: From Aviation Section to Air Service	1	(11)
II "Gas Driven Flying Horses": Aircraft and Equipment	12	(12)
III Putting Wings on Men: Training for the Air War	24	(22)
IV "A Lot of Good Men Running Around in Circles": Organization in the AEF	46	(17)
V Combat in a Quiet Area: The Toul Sector	63	(27)
VI Ordeal by Fire: The Aisne-Marne Campaign	90	(29)
VII Lull Before the Storm: The Build-up for St. Mihiel	119	(25)
VIII "He That Outlives This Day and Comes Safe Home": The First Day at St. Mihiel	144	(31)
IX St. Mihiel: The Bloody Mopping Up	175	(21)
X Forgotten Squadrons: Americans on the British Front	196	(37)
XI Service with Allied Units	233	(25)
XII Autumn Crescendo: The Meuse-Argonne	258	(41)
Epilogue	299	(14)
Bibliography	313	(12)
Index	325