In this long-out-of-print true-adventure story, one of our earliest flying Aces re-creates the spectacle and the drama of his flights into glory with the French Air Service, the famed Lafayette Escadrille, and the U.S. Air Service. Long before the United States officially entered the First World War, a small group of courageous Americans chose to join France's desperate struggle against invading German armies by enlisting in the French Foreign Legion. Among these dedicated men was Charles J. Biddle. A serious student of aviation, Biddle compiled a record of excellence in French aviation school; he went on to serve with the French Air Service, then with other Americans in the Lafayette Escadrille, and finally after America's entry into the war, with the U.S Air Service. During his tours of duty, Biddle commanded two pursuit squadrons, rose to the rank of Major, and won the designation of Flying Ace.

Introduction / Stanley M. Ulanoff -- Preface / Murray K. Guthrie -- Biographical sketch / James Norman Hall and Charles Bernard Nordhoff -- In the schools -- Escadrille N. 73 -- Escadrille Lafayette -- 13th Aero Squadron, A.E.F. -- 4th Pursuit Group, A.E.F. -- Appendix. Major Biddle's service record -- Major Biddle's confirmed victories -- Major Biddle's citations -- Leading Allied aces, 1914-1918 -- Leading enemy aces, 1914-1918 -- Chronological summary of the War -- "Fighter tactics" / Albert Deullin ; translated by Charles J. Biddle -- Aircraft specifications and data.