before nextCan be attributed authorship of the Escadrille Lafayette to another American: 27 Norman Prince, a graduate haggard. His father, a rich financier, had granted to the French war loans of a considerable amount. He owned large estates in France where Norman had spent part of his childhood, including at Pau, where her father organized fox hunts that brought together the elite of society. As a result, Norman Prince had significant relationships at the highest level. In 1911 he obtained his pilot's license from Federation Aeronautique Internationale with the number 55. In January 1915, he left the United States, led the project to create a squadron composed solely American. After going as other Foreign Legion, but very briefly, he was assigned to a bomber unit as a private. Sixteen other Americans were already flying French military duty. On the occasion of Christmas 1915, Prince Thaw and Cowdin Aliot a third driver, obtained permission to return to their families in the United States. The American press, who spoke of the exploits of these young volunteers, they gave an enthusiastic welcome in New York and became real stars. On their return to France, Prince and his two friends were received by the Secretary of State for Aeronautics for in Paris, the government had followed with keen interest the development of the American press who wanted to follow the example of these brave pilots, the United States out of their isolationism and engage in this last war on the side of France as did in his time, the young Marquis de La Facet who had risked his life and fortune by putting himself at the service of George Washington. The GHQ was invited to take the decision to form a squadron with all U.S. pilots dispersed the French units. This is the origin of the squadron was then called the American squadron, under the French command of Captain George Thénault and his deputy, Lieutenant de Laage de Meux. April 18, 1916, the new squadrons N 124, received all his staff, also French, or eighty men mechanics, drivers, secretaries, cooks ... , And his first American pilots including our three heroes who were joined by Victor Chapman, Kiffin Rockwell, James McConnell, Bert Hall, and later Raoul Lufbery.
Français Welcome Historical summary the beginging 1914 Personage William Thaw Norman Prince Red Devil patch Squadron Wing Other store tradition association Photos Association Actuality