Frederick Libby, Ace, Memoir!

July 10, 2000
Hi WW1 enthusiasts: I've been hooked on the Aerodrome site for ages, now.
I’ve been doing research about WW1 for a book that Arcade is publishing in September called, Horses Don’t Fly.

This is one of those books that keep editors and publishers in the book business: a gem pulled out of somebody’s attic, dusted off, and polished only to prove its own brilliance as each page is turned. Frederick Libby, the author of Horses Don’t Fly, was America’s first flying ace, with 24 victories to his credit while flying as an observer and then a pilot, in the Royal Flying Corps. Before he found himself in the clouds, he was a cowboy, an icon of the Old West, and broke wild horses for riding on ranches from Colorado to New Mexico. This is the first time his story has been told—finally.

This is a true American hero. Winston Groom, the author of Forrest Gump, says in his introduction, "Horses Don’t Fly is not only an important piece of previously unpublished history, it is a gripping and uplifting story to read."

If you would just like to see more of what we publish, for your own interest, I encourage you to check out www.arcadepub.com. We’re an independent book publisher of high quality fiction and non-fiction titles. You will be impressed with the work.

Email me if you know of anyone else who might like to hear about Libby's book. Thanks!


All best,

Danielle A. Durkin

Here are a couple of more quotes that we’ve received about Horses Don’t Fly:

"Every so often an undiscovered manuscript will turn up that gives delight to the reader historian. Such is certainly the case with Horses Don’t Fly, Frederick Libby’s fascinating memoir. . . . Libby captures the panorama of the war years, the battles in the air, life in London on leave, the loss of friends, and his triumphant return to America where his tattered American flag streamers were auctioned at Carnegie Hall. . . . Horses Don’t Fly is not only an important piece of previously unpublished history, it is a gripping and uplifting story to read." —from the introduction by Winston Groom, author of Forrest Gump

"Frederick Libby has a marvelous capacity for recalling specific details of his life as horseman, aviator, soldier, and consummate citizen of the twentieth century. His recollections stimulate anyone whose imagination takes free range and soars back over the past hundred years." —Clayton Reynolds, author of Franklin’s Crossing and Players

"The long overdue publication of Captain Frederick Libby's memoir is a great event. His achievements spanned generations of American life, from his early ranching years, to his legendary WWI flying career and his continuing work in aviation. More than a cowboy or a flying ace, Captain Libby was a genuine American hero."
—W.E.B. Griffin, author of the BROTHERHOOD OF WAR, THE CORPS, MEN AT WAR, and HONOR BOUND series

14 ?

See Frederick Libby

Were there any aces who had previously been a policeman, an indian, a construction worker or a bikie ?

Not sure what you're asking, Observer. Are you referring to the Libby in the Aerodrome site? If so, then yes, that's the one!

[Billy_Bishop]

I think what Observer is referring to is the claim that Libby had 24 victories. Research has shown his total score to be closer to 14. The first 10 were gained as an observer, the next four as a pilot.

What I've been told, by a fellow forumite, and a person that could or should be described as a professional historian, is that Libby's score was "elevated" to 24 when someone counted his first 10 victories twice, attempting to make his score as a pilot 14 instead of 4.

It's believed this was an honest mistake.

VBR,

Al Lowe

You would think that someone who as been doing research about WW1 for a book that Arcade is publishing in September called, Horses Don’t Fly would spot the difference between 14 and 24, unless the research was into the commercial possibilities rather than historical significances.

[Billy_Bishop]

My guess is that the research was likely more into what Libby's life was like before and after WWI rather than "trivial" things, like his score.

But that's just a guess on my part.

VBR,

Al Lowe

It's too bad that there seems to be such skepticism, here. If someone has a better resource for the verification of Libby's score, then please share it with us. We are not interested in promoting false information. The 24 victories, btw, is based on Libby's own account, as well as other sources, and the count comes from *both* his victories as an *observer* and as a *pilot*.
Cheers.

[Frank_Olynyk]

Danielle,
If you can post the 24 victories listed by Libby, I should have time this weekend to review them against my microfilms of combat reports from the Public Record Office in England. I haven't yet been through the films for any of his squadrons.

Frank.

[Billy_Bishop]

Skepticism? Moi????

If you wonder at our comments, I suggest you click on the button to the left that says "Aces" then click on "Aces by nationality" then click on "United States", then click on "Frederick C. Libby".

He's the 13th ace listed. You'll see his score is listed as 14. This is based on the research done in the book, "Above The Trenches", by Shores, Franks, and Guest. Also known collectively around here, as the "GOGS" or Gods Of Grub Street.

But, by all means, do take Frank up on his offer. If there are 10 more confirmed claims out there for Libby, Frank is the man most likely to find them.

Very Best Regards,

Al Lowe