Just two decades after the Wright Brothers first invented the aircraft, daring young men from America, Britain, France, and Germany were flying over the skies of Europe and engaged in the deadly aerial combat of World War I. Clavin writes here about the highly romantic exploits of these characters, from the 22 year old Manfred von Richtofen--descended from Prussian aristocracy--to Eddie Rickenbacker, 27, an American who was descended from Swiss immigrants, spoke perfect German, and had competed in the Indianapolis 500. Other colorful aces shot down enemy pilots, then landed near their crash sites and presented them with a cigar--if they had survived! Others broke off combat if their adversary's gun's jammed. Read this one. It's a gem.
Just two decades after the Wright Brothers first invented the aircraft, daring young men from America, Britain, France, and Germany were flying over the skies of Europe and engaged in the deadly aerial combat of World War I. Clavin writes here about the highly romantic exploits of these characters, from the 22 year old Manfred von Richtofen--descended from Prussian aristocracy--to Eddie Rickenbacker, 27, an American who was descended from Swiss immigrants, spoke perfect German, and had competed in the Indianapolis 500. Other colorful aces shot down enemy pilots, then landed near their crash sites and presented them with a cigar--if they had survived! Others broke off combat if their adversary's gun's jammed. Read this one. It's a gem.
Also can't get out of my head now 10 20 30 40 50 or more...
Sopwith Camel.
Why was Snoopy obsessed with the Red Baron?
Great article on the WWI fly boys. Fascinating era in history with the birth of air power. Hoping this might be a prelude to another book forthcoming!