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This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
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LaFayette Escadrille

Wed Apr 20, 2016 5:26 pm

PARIS – Four U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor fifth generation fighters fly over the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial in Marnes-la-Coquette, France, April 20, 2016, during a ceremony honoring the 268 Americans who joined the French air force before the U.S. officially engaged in World War I. In addition to the F-22s, a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber, four French air force Mirage 2000Ns and a World War I-era Steerman PT-17 biplane performed flyovers during the ceremony commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Layfette Escadrille’s formation. Men of the Lafayette Escadrille and Lafayette Flying Crops were critical to the formation of the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Joshua DeMotts)
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Lafayette Escadrille members in front of an American flag. Whiskey and Soda the escadrilles lion cub mascots are included. France circa 1917
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Lafayette Escadrille Nieuport XI fighters on the line at Luxeuil-les-Bains Aerodrome France circa 1916
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Lafayette Escadrille -Robert Soubiran wearing a sidcot type flight suit stands beside a Nieuport Type 17 pursuit plane circa 1917
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Lafayette Escadrille Courtney Campbells Nieuport XVII which he managed to land in a beet field after losing the left lower wing.
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Lafayette Escadrille-Edmond Charles Clinton Genet November 9 1896 - April 16 1917Escadrille N. 124 posed in flying clothing standing by his Nieuport 17 fighter France.1917
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Re: LaFayette Escadrille

Wed Apr 20, 2016 7:14 pm

That Stearman must be great for the "Lafayette Flying Crops". Disregarding the typos what a wonderful memorial to some of America's first aerial warriors.

Re: LaFayette Escadrille

Wed Apr 20, 2016 11:55 pm

"World War I-era Steerman PT-17...".

When I was an Air Force PAO, I used to joke that I was the only one that knew about old AF airplanes. Looks like I was correct. :)

Re: LaFayette Escadrille

Thu Apr 21, 2016 9:23 am

A little tidbit of related history. After the U.S. entered the war, U.S. Coast Guard LT Charles Sugden was the Commanding Officer of the newly established U.S. Naval Air Station at Ile Tudy, France. They flew anti-sub patrols out of there.

Re: LaFayette Escadrille

Thu Apr 21, 2016 3:53 pm

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The PT-17 was F-AZXN
http://www.ffwm.fr/fr/les-avions/19-boe ... 3-qkaidetq

the B-52

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and some modern stuff

3 Mirage 2000 and a Rafale

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Laurent
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