Flying Yanks: American Airmen in World War I, Online Interactive Released

World War I saw the introduction of technologies and methods of warfare never  experienced before. No developments proved more revolutionary than those related to air power. Reconnaissance, artillery coordination, bombardments and  direct fire support came from the  air as well as the ground. Pilots battled air-to-air to gain control of the sky. While the United States did not officially enter the war until nearly three years after it began, the “Flying Yanks” of World War I were into the fight well before that. American pilots proved to be  formidable combatants whether serving under Allied or American command.

Prior to the United States’ entry into the war,  a number of Americans wanted to fight for the Allied cause. However, they could not join another nation’s military forces and pledge allegiance to a foreign country without losing their citizenship. Many instead signed up with organizations such as the Red Cross or volunteer ambulance services. Others discovered that volunteers for the French Foreign Legion pledged allegiance to the Legion, and not to France. Arguably this would allow them to retain their citizenship.

In April 1916 the French government activated an air unit out of the French Foreign Legion manned largely by Americans. This soon became known as the Lafayette Escadrille. Many of the  pilots in this unit had previous air experience, allowing them to be battle ready not long after its formation. They fought  in the Battle of Verdun and the Somme Offensive during 1916, establishing a reputation for daring and effectiveness during these epic conflicts. The international community, particularly the American public. developed a fascination with these “Knight of the Air.”

When the United States  entered the war in April 1917, the  U.S. Army and Navy had no modern combat aircraft and only fledging  training programs. Less than a year later, Allied assistance and American mobilization  had  substantially changed this reality. The Air Service of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) formed, and by early 1918 American air units and balloon squadrons began deploying into combat overseas. Most American members of the Lafayette Escadrille and the related Lafayette Flying Corps were absorbed into the Air Service AEF, providing an invaluable leavening of seasoned pilots and airmen.

On April 14, 1918 the Air Service of the AEF achieved its first combat victory, knocking down two enemy planes in air-to-air duels. Just months later, during the St. Mihiel Campaign from September 12-16, 1918, the Allies mustered almost 1,500 planes for the largest concentration of air power during a single operation in the war and deployed this under American operational control.

 During the course of the war, more than 10,000 Americans were trained as pilots. By war’s end 45 American air squadrons and 23 American balloon companies  had seen combat, bringing down 781 enemy planes and 73 enemy balloons. These pioneers of World War I set an inspiring precedent for American aviation during World War II and thereafter.

To further tell this story, the American Battle Monuments Commission has released the interactive, Flying Yanks: American Airmen in World War I. This free, digital tool allows the user to follow the paths of air units as they joined the fight overseas, and tells their stories.

Including dynamic maps showing the locations of units over time, narrative text, and an encyclopedia of people, places, organizations and equipment involved, Flying Yanks: American Airmen in World War I provides comprehensive insight into this unique  subject.

Airmen who lost their lives in World War I and served with the Air Service are honored at all ABMC World War I cemeteries, with the most  buried in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery and the St. Mihiel American Cemetery. Time will not dim the glory of their deeds.

Flying Yanks: American Airmen in World War I is one of 13 online interactives developed by ABMC:

• Use the World War I Timeline
• Learn about the World War I Ypres-Lys Campaign
• Learn about the World War I Meuse-Argonne Offensive
• Use the World War II Timeline
• Learn about the World War II Battle of the Atlantic
• Learn about the World War II Strategic Bombing Campaign
• Learn about Americans in Great Britain during World War II
• Learn about the World War II Normandy Campaign
• Learn about the World War II Battle of Pointe du Hoc
• Learn about the World War II Sicilian Campaign
• Learn about Entering Italy: The Naples-Foggia Campaign during World War II
• Learn about Liberating Rome: The Rome-Arno Campaign during World War II

About ABMC
Established in 1923 by Congress, ABMC is a U.S. government agency charged with commemorating the service, achievements and sacrifice of the U.S. Armed Forces where they have served overseas since 1917. ABMC administers our nation’s commemorative cemeteries and federal memorials overseas. For more information visit www.abmc.gov, or connect with us on Facebook, Youtube or Instagram.