FLIERS CARRY OLD GLORY INTO THE BATTLE LINE
The Lafayette Escadrille, composed of American fliers serving with the French army on the Oise, will be the first unit to carry the Stars and Stripes into battle on European soil. Arrangements are now under way by which the American fliers will receive official standing and serve as the first military organization to carry war to Germany. At present the plan is to have Lieutenant Commander William B. Sayles, Jr., American naval attache in Paris, swear the aviators into the service of the United States and constitute them part of the nation's military establishment.
Some months ago the United States government objected to the name "American Escadrille" as the designation of this volunteer flying corps fighting the, battles of France. The Washington government, being neutral, use of the name American could not be permitted. The name Lafayette was substituted as an effective symbol.
The Lowell Sun (Lowell, Massachusetts) - Thursday, April 5, 1917
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