beforeThen, in October 1916, the squadron was sent to the area of ​​the Somme. The weather is terrible, rain, fog, snow mud are the daily drivers. This is first come the SPAD more powerful and better armed than the Nieuport. German officials protested against the presence of this squadron called'' American'' which, for them, was evidence of the breakdown of the neutrality of the United States. To avoid problems with Washington, the French authorities decided that this unit would be called first "Squadron Volunteers" and then from December 6, 1916, "Lafayette Escadrille". The insignia of the squadron was head of Sioux copy, originally from that adorned the boxes of Remington rifles. In anticipation of the spring offensive of 1917, the squadron was sent to Ravenel in the Oise and the Aisne. In April 1917, the American pilots who were the Lafayette Escadrille rejoiced entry into the war in their country, although their flight was doomed to disappear because it was a French unit. The U.S. military, in need of experienced pilots, their promised promotions and many of them asked their mutation among them who had the highest number of victories,'''' Lieutenant Lufbery to become ' 'Major'' in U.S. Air Service. A few days later, August 16, 1917, General Pétain awarded to the squadron its first mention in dispatches "squadron composed of American volunteers who came to fight for France, the purest spirit of sacrifice . A constantly conducted under the command of Captain Thénault that formed a fierce struggle against our enemies. Raised deep admiration leaders who had under their command and French squadrons that fighting at his side , wanted to compete with it. fighting very hard in price and repent serious, not weaken, his exalted moral, killed 28 enemy aircraft certified. "During his twenty-three months in combat, the squadron will move 11 times in 9 different terrains, from the Vosges to Picardy to stay in contact with the front lines. The Lafayette Escadrille, in its original form, Ceased to exist February 18th, 1918. At that time, she became the N.103, the first American fighter squadron. It retained, however, its aircraft mechanics and French. That same day, Captain Thibault, promoted to commander, after three years at the front, will Pau to take charge of the instruction of the school. He has seven wins to his credit, including four registered. He especially worked out successfully: create and manage a squadron which became the nucleus of the first group of American fighter under the command of William Thaw promoted to commander
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