USAS 1st Pursuit Group (Aviation Elite Units)
by Jon Guttman
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Book Summary Information
Author: Jon GuttmanIllustrator: Harry Dempsey
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-06-17
ISBN: 1846033098
Number of pages: 128
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
Book Reviews of USAS 1st Pursuit Group (Aviation Elite Units)
Book Review: America's WWI Top Guns in Action!
Summary: 5 Stars
The 1st Pursuit Group compiled a brilliant record in Word War I. Entering combat in March 1918, the Group had been credited with downing 275 aircraft and Drachens by war's end and boasted America's top two aces, both of which received the MoH. Jon Guttmann chronicles the fortunes of this hard-hitting unit in this Osprey 'Aviation Elite Unit' volume, #28 in the series.
Mention of the 1st PG inevitably brings up images of Rickenbacker, Luke, the Hat-in-the-Ring Squadron and so on. Yet, as documented in Jon Guttmann's nicely done history, the Group was eventually made up of five (!) squadrons - the 27th, 147th, 94th, 95th and 185th - and pilots such as 'Ham' Coolidge, Bill Vail, Wilbert White, Jerry Vasconcells, Bill Russel, Sumner Sewall, John Huffer and others helped make the Group the powerhouse it was.
Initially equipped with Nieuport 28s - which had a nasty habit of shedding the fabric on the upper wing - the Group had mixed results flying in the quiet Toul sector. When it was switched to Chateau Thierry in late June, 1st PG pilots found themselves opposed by Germany's top units, the Group initially suffering heavy losses. The switch to Spad XIIIs in July 1918 and a posting back to the Tour front enabled the Group to regain its footing and progress into a first-class fighting unit.
While author Guttman's narrative certainly does a nine job of relating the 1st PG's history, I was especialy impressed by the wealth of rare photographs used in the book, some 130 pix in all. And, as always, Harry Dempsey's color profiles brought the Group's Nieuports, Spads and Camels to life.
All in all, USAS 1st PURSUIT GROUP is a fine, well-illustrated overview of America's best fighter group in action. Highly recommended.
Summary of USAS 1st Pursuit Group (Aviation Elite Units)
The 1st Pursuit Group claimed more enemy kills than any other Group in the United States Air Service in World War I, partly thanks to 'ace of aces', Eddie Rickenbacker, and balloon-busting ace, Frank Luke, both of whom also earned the Medal of Honor. Starting operations in March 1918, the Group initially flew Nieuport 28s, now rejected by the French, and quickly showed its quality. Douglas Campbell was the first American-trained pilot in the USAS to make a kill and soon afterwards became the Service's first ace. Expanded by the arrival of additional squadrons, the Group went to war in earnest over Ch¿teau Thierry in July, suffering heavy losses against experienced German pilots and better airplanes. Re-equipped with the superior Spad XIII, the now battle-seasoned Group achieved its full potential over St. Mihiel and the Argonne.This is the story of the Group that produced some of America's first fighter aces and its rapid evolution over a few months as a deadly rival to opposing German units with years of combat experience behind them. Its publication marks the 90th anniversary of 1st Pursuit Group's distinguished contribution to Allied victory.
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