France to Outfit U.S. Flyers in France

FRANCE TO OUTFIT U. S. FLYERS IN FRANCE
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FRENCH GOVERNMENT FURNISHES NEW WAR PLANES TO LAFAYETTE ESCADRILLE
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HAVE GRUDGE FIGHT
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Ten German Aviators Single Out U. S. Birdmen as Their Particular Enemies
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   WITH THE LAFAYETTE AIR SQUADRON SOMEWHERE IN FRANCE, May 12.—France proposes to show her appreciation of the American flying squadron's work by giving it the first equipment of any similar corps in the French army.
   It was learned here today that the Lafayette escadrille is shortly to be re-outfitted with new French war planes which are the highest powered and the fastest yet invented. It is a graceful expression of the universal French tribute that the American flyers are the equal of any similar aerial force in the French army—and that means in the whole world.

Want U. S. Uniforms

   The Lafayette escadrille will be glad to get the new machines—but they would be happier if they could get American uniforms. Not one of the members has yet been able to ascertain what sort of a uniform an American aviator is supposed to wear. Because of this the corps is still clothed in the issue of the French quartermaster's department.
   But Edward Hinkle, of Cincinnati, a corporal in the squadron and a graduate of the Paris Beaux Arts, has designed a new symbol of the corps, to be worn on the uniform and painted on the Lafayette escadrille planes.
   Every day they are carrying this symbol into the fighting for America as well as for France. The Germans have learned to recognize it and to concentrate their aerial attention on downing some plane with the American insignia.

Have Grudge Fight

   A fine "grudge fight" is in the making between the Americans and a certain group of ten German aviators. The ten are never sighted apart, and they have been nicknamed, the "circus" by the Americans because of the peculiar battle formation which they adopt. They fly in a huge circle, their machines alternately winging high into the heavens and low to earth—exactly like the horses on an American merry-go-round.
   The "circus" has been singling out the Americans for particular "strafing" ever since the United States joined forces with the allies. The ten—or several of the ten—search the skies particularly for planes carrying the symbol of the Lafayette escadrille. Four of them came upon Adjt. Ralph Lufberry [sic], of Wallingford, Conn., the other day. Despite the four to one odds, Lufberry pulled through unharmed. He was unable to "get" any of his adversaries, however.

Score Even, So Far

   So far the score with the circus is even—the ten haven't dropped an American and not a one of the Lafayette flyers have managed to bring down one of the ten.
   If mascots will bring the Americans any luck they ought to have unvarying good fortune. Pets clutter up the camp. Most favored of all are two lion cubs named "Whiskey and Soda." The bigger of the two drew the whiskey cognomen. There are at least half a dozen dogs of all ages, descriptions and previous conditions. Most of them were brought back—via the aerial route—from reconnaissances to destroyed French villages.

The Fort Wayne News - Saturday, May 12, 1917