THE STORY OF THE LAFAYETTE ESCADRILLE: Told by Its Commander, Captain Georges Thenault
Boston: Small, Maynard & Company, 1921. First Edition. Hardcover. A record of the exploits and sacrifices of the American volunteer pilots who served under Thenault's command during the First World War. Formed in 1916, the airmen of the Lafayette Escadrille took to the sky to secure air superiority during some of the war's major campaigns, including the Battle of Verdun, the Somme Offensive, the Nivelle Offensive, the Aisne Offensive, and the Ypres Offensive. In addition to downing 199 German aircraft, the squadron is credited with laying the foundation on which American combat aviation was built. Translated by Walter Duranty, with an introduction by Andre Tardieu, High Commissioner of Franco-American Affairs. Frontispiece portrait, with 76 textual photographs. Octavo. Original blue paper-covered boards over a blue cloth spine, with gilt titles. Some toning along the extremities, with a bit of light wear to the corners and tips; otherwise very good. Very good. Item #68975
Price: $800.00