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Air Classics, Dec 2003 by Hulett, George

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American aces of the Creat War

The past few years have seen an increase in literature concerning the pilots and aircraft of what became known as World War One. America's Pioneer Aces by James Farmer (BAC Publishers, 1749th W. 13th St., Upland, CA 91786 $29.95) is one of the latest to join the list and it examines the young American pilots who went off to face the Germans in the skies over France. By the time America entered the war, Britain, France, and Germany were beating themselves into oblivion. However, these nations had formed quite effective air forces and the , were forced to fly aircraft developed and built by the Allies. Even though the United States had pioneered powered flight, an aviation industry had never developed but WWI would change all that forever.

The author examines such interesting characters as Frank Luke - a seventh-grade dropout who burned a brief and violent record over France before his demise. The author even traveled to the small French village of Murvaux to view the scene of Luke's final minutes of life. Other aces such as Rickenbacker and Lufbery are detailed in an informative and easy-to-read style. A recommended book for anyone wanting to learn more about America's first combat pilots.