Overview

Much has been written about the Unites States air forces during the Second World War, but little has been written about the early days of American military aviation either before or during the First World War or in the immediate inter-war years. In ""Strike From the Air"", the author shows the early development of the aviation section of the U.S. Army with balloons and the part they played in the Civil War. This is followed by an account of the first use of military aircraft when General Pershing tracked down the revolutionary Pancho Villa after he had crossed the Mexican border into the United States and attacked the town of Columbus, New Mexico, killing a number of American citizens. The development of naval aircraft during the invasion of Veracruz is also examined, which resulted in the first American aircraft to be hit by gunfire. Following the outbreak of the First World War, the United States was gradually drawn into the conflict. Before this had happened, a number of American travelled to Europe to volunteer for the Lafayette Escadrille in France, as well as the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service. Many of these men eventually joined the newly created United States Army Air Service, taking their valuable experience and knowledge with them. Among the notable early US aviators were individuals such as Eugene Bullard, the first African-American military pilot, and eccentric loners like Frank Luke. The part played by the US Navy and USMC is not neglected. At the end of the First World War a group of American pilots joined together to form the Kosciuszko Squadron that fought against the Russians in the Polish/Russian War. The final part of the book contains a number of escape reports by USAS pilots and observers, which gives a real insight into the conditions they, and other Allied soldiers and airmen, were subjected to in German prison camps during the First World War. To complete this fascinating look at those exciting and challenging early days, ""Strike From the Air"" includes approximately 250 photographs, many of which have ever been seen before. AUTHOR: Terry C. Treadwell was born and educated in Bournemouth. Having served in the Royal Air Force, in telecommunications, and travelled the world quite extensively, including working in Australia for a short period, he was European Correspondent for ""Naval Aviation News"" (the official aviation magazine for the US Navy) and ""Wings of Gold"" (US) for ten years. 250 b/w illustrations

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9781526776457

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For aviation enthusiasts and students of airpower development, this is a remarkable book that shows just how difficult a start American military aviation endured. -- New York Journal of Books ...a very worthwhile history of this time period, one that has been largely ignored by historians up to this point. -- IPMS/USA If you have any interest in the early years of American military aviation, then this book is a 'must have' for your shelves. You will not be disappointed. -- ModelingMadness.Com The book is well illustrated with 199 black and white photos and two black and white illustrations peppered through the pages. -- Historical Miniatures Gaming Society This book will be of interest to modelers and aviation historians alike. -- AMPS Indianapolis

This book will be of interest to modelers and aviation historians alike. -- AMPS Indianapolis

Author Information

TERRY C. TREADWELL was born and educated in Bournemouth. Having served in the Royal Air Force, in telecommunications, and travelled the world quite extensively, including working in Australia for a short period, he was European Correspondent for _Naval Aviation News_ (the official aviation magazine for the US Navy) and _Wings of Gold_ (US) for ten years.

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