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Aces High: War in a New Dimension:
The United States occupied fourteenth place in the ranks of world military aviation, just behind Brazil, when World War I erupted. After the United States entered the war, it was forced to make use of European combat aircraft because American industry could not produce sophisticated airframes and engines quickly enough.
But, by the end of 1918, some 217,000 Americans were serving in various capacities with air services. A t least fifty-five American pilots became "aces" after shooting down at least five enemy aircraft. Wisconsin was credited with supplying 161 flying officers during the war. On of them, Rodney W. Williams, of Waukesha, became an ace. Williams flew a British Sopwith Camel fighter, like the replica above. Fighter planes and pilots were portrayed in a romantic fashion during World War I even though photo reconnaissance aircraft far exceeded the importance of the glamorized fighters. |